Machchhenarayan Mela: The Rare Sacred Festival of Kathmandu Valley
Long before sunrise touches the hills surrounding Kathmandu Valley, the narrow roads leading toward Machhegaun begin to fill with devotees carrying flowers, incense, oil lamps, and offerings. The sound of temple bells echoes through the cool morning air while the smell of burning incense mixes with freshly prepared malpuwa from roadside stalls. Elderly pilgrims walk slowly toward the sacred pond…