I was very disappointed to learn that the traditional Nepali musicians that are an important part of any celebration were not coming, something about not really being appropriate for this ceremony.
Seeing my disappointment Deepak called them at the last minute and in the following video you can see and hear how good they are. For some reason they are from tailor caste.
The music and some dancing were going on at the same time as the puja about 50 meters away. Catering too was going on throughout the day. Chole-batura was the special dish (punjabi food, not Nepali). Although Nepali brahmins are meat eaters this ceremony requires no meat nor garlic or onions- like Jain food.
Toward the end of the puja in choreographed ritual Karnav’s head is shaved, he changes into saffron mendicant garb, is lead around collecting handfuls of rice from the guests, then is seated after changing into formal attire to receive gifts.
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Bimal, Karnav’s uncle and Yogi of international repute, and perhaps in a symbolic role of guru takes over in guiding Karnav through these symbolic choreographed rituals and at one point to everyone’s amusement has to catch a fleeing Karnav.
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There is subsequently the burning of the puja site and materials and the circumnavigation of this fire of mostly women singing simple bhajans.
