Phulpati Badhai Ceremony 2081 Celebrated in Kathmandu as Part of Dashain Festival

The Phulpati Badhai Ceremony 2081, commemorating the seventh day of the Dashain festival, was held on Thursday afternoon at Tundikhel, Kathmandu. The event celebrated Nepal’s longstanding traditions by combining religious, cultural, and military elements.

President Ramchandra Paudel was the chief guest at the ceremony, which commenced with a ceremonial salute by the Nepali Army. This was followed by a military parade featuring a unique display where a Nepali Army helicopter flew over the parade ground, showcasing a banner reading “Phulpati Badhai Ceremony 2081” and showering flowers onto the spectators.

High-profile dignitaries, including Vice President Ramsahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, were in attendance. The event also saw the participation of Deputy Prime Ministers, various ministers, and other government officials.

The Phulpati Parade forms a crucial part of Nepal’s cultural and religious celebrations. It involves the ceremonial arrival of jamara (barley shoots) and Phulpati—a collection of sacred flowers and leaves—originating from Gorkha and making their way to Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu. This tradition, observed annually by the Nepali Army, attracts a sizable crowd eager to witness the vibrant and grand celebrations at Tundikhel.

This year’s Phulpati Badhai highlights Nepal’s rich heritage, intertwining various elements of the country’s diverse cultural expressions. The event was documented by photojournalists Angad Dhakal and Safal Prakash Shrestha, capturing the cultural and religious zeal on display in Tundikhel and Hanumandhoka of Kathmandu.