I love Workaway. I have had so many fabulous experiences because of it. I just had the most amazing night celebrating Sellygram’s 16th birthday with his entire family. In Saping village, people rarely eat meat. When meat is eaten, it is a special treat and it is usually reserved for special occasions.
Seligram, the birthday boy! (Uttam’s nephew)
Seligram receiving tikka from his mother
For Seligram’s birthday, the family celebrated with chicken and goat.Before we ate, each family member, starting with the eldest gave him tikka and wished him a happy birthday. Tikka is when someone receives a blessing which consists of power that is placed on their forehead. During this ceremony, the person receiving the tikka is also given some money. After all family members gave Seligram tikka, I took a turn as well. However, I put my own spin on it and sang him”Happy Birthday”.
Seligram receiving tikka from his grandfather
Seligram receiving tikka from Cecile
Because I don’t meat, the family gave me dried rice with honey and a piece of candy. Candy and honey are also rare and just like the meat, it is a special treat. The male adults, myself and the other volunteer, Cecile (from France) all drank Raksi (rice wine). When meat is served, Raksi usually accompanies it.
Birthday Meat
Uttam and Shadev (Seligram’s younger brother and one of my students) enjoying the food and party
I Learned that in Nepal there are four different castes, Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra but many different branches within the castes. I asked if Sellygram’s father made the Raksi and I was told that only a specific caste is allowed to make and drink alcohol. Uttam’s caste is apparently not even allowed to drink alcohol, but they do anyway. He explained that his caste is second from the top and consists of the civil workers, teachers, police officers, etc. The first caste consists of high up government officials. The lowest caste, the 4th caste consists of shoemakers, cleaners and other people you would see on the street selling things. I could not help but think of my first friend I met in Kathmandu, the man that sold oil.
Food, tikka and family
Nepali sized rice portions
Uttam said that my face looks Mongol so I look like I would belong to the 3rd or 4th caste. His face and Cecile’s are longer and more European looking so they look like they belong to the first or second caste. Uttam said he is sometimes mistaken for the first caste.
Amazing family
Seligram and his father (Uttam’s brother)
I asked if a person can ever advance in society. For example, can a shoemaker decide to go to university and become a teacher? Uttam said yes. He explained that with the new constitution people can change, get educated, and move out of their caste. This is one of the things that India does not like about the new constitution. India has such a strict caste system, one that makes is nearly impossible to move out of. It seems to me that India is scared if Nepal becomes more liberal within their caste system, the people in India might expect the same.
Shadev drinking water
Shadev after eating a lot of meat!
I am becoming interested in the politics of foreign countries. When I am here, living with the people and seeing how they are affected, I cannot help but become interested. Traveling is amazing.
Shadev’s roommate 🙂
During the birthday celebration, the power went off and nobody flinched.
