Nepal Edition
Regional/Cultural Day
Uttarayan
The vernal equinox is marked by communities in the Kathmandu Valley with spring cleaning, the hanging of new prayer flags, and the preparation of seasonal foods. The prayer flags, called lungta in Tibetan, are printed with mantras and auspicious symbols, and when hung they release blessings on the wind. Each flag carries the image of the wind horse (lungta), and the five colors represent the five elements: blue for sky, white for air, red for fire, green for water, and yellow for earth. The old flags are respectfully burned and new ones strung from rooftops, trees, and mountain passes across the Himalayas.
