Sacred Cow and Calf

As most people know the cow is a sacred holy animal in the Hindu faith. It is not eaten nor are its products sold or eaten. In Kathmandu it is not at all unusual to see several wondering the footpaths and streets. Even at one of the busiest junctions in the city they will have "right of way". There will be no road rage, no shooing them off, cars and bikes will simply get around them. If your accident involves one of these animals you are in big trouble. The fruit market in the background of this picture and all other city users simply have to share the city with the Sacred cow.

Title: Our Turn Now.

These two young boys enjoy a day off school playing cards in the sunshine. Only some 60% of Nepali children go to school and the figure drops even more after they reach 11 years old. There are several reasons for this :some schools in villages around the country have been closed because of the violence over the past 10 years, education is not entirely free and the cost is another factor which keeps children at home. However the biggest factor is the need to work in the fields to feed the family. This highly labour intensive terrace farming is for many the only way to put food on the table. In small remote villages with no electricity or running water every help available is welcome.
The peace agreement signed this week between the seven political parties and the Maoists insurgents will, if fully implemented by all sides ,bring new opportunities for children and youth around the country

Rice Harvest in Bhaktapur, one of the oldest cities in Nepal.

By hand the rice has been planted, grown, ripened, cut, gathered,beaten and winnowed as a community or extended family activity from fields nearby. Here we see the grain being turned over to dry in the hot autumn sun. Then it will be stored in hessian sacks for next years food supply. Nepalese people eat rice at least twice a day usually with lentils and vegetables.