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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Classroom » Multimedia

Kathmandu neighborhood children sing

About this recording

Creator
Kristin Post
Date created
October 27, 2000
Duration
0:53
Location
Kathmandu, Nepal
File
MP3
License
This recording copyright ©2000. Terms of use

See this recording in context

  • Unraveling a cultural mystery: Nepal: In this lesson, students explore two religious festivals in Nepal through audio recordings and photographs. Students begin with a vague knowledge about the festivals and develop a more thorough understanding as more information is revealed through the course of the lesson. The author recommends incorporating these activities into a larger lesson plan of your design.

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Diwali is the “festival of lights” that is celebrated by Hindus in either October or November. Like Christmas or Thanksgiving, this is a time to enjoy with families and friends. The holiday also celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and is associated with a Hindu legend where Lord Rama killed an evil demon and was guided home by oil lamps people lit to help him see in the darkness.

At the time I was in Nepal, I did not realize what an important festival this was. However, I happened to be at Ajit’s house (a Nepali guide in Pashupatinath) when a certain part of the celebration was observed.

In the recording, you can hear a group of about eight children singing a song. On this night of Diwali, the children go from door to door to sing this song and receive money and gifts. It could be compared to Halloween, except for no candy is involved.

From my journal:

Take a cab to Ajit’s. Visit for a while. Diwali “doshire” kids come by. I record and dance. Kids teach me their dance. I teach them the waltz. Eat spicy daal bat. [A traditional lentil meal.]