India, April 15 -- By Binod Prasad Adhikari

Madhyapur Thimi [Nepal], April 15 (ANI): The beat of traditional Dhime (drum) goes high as the ceremonial palanquins circumambulate the Balkumari Temple in the Newa town of Thimi, with the atmosphere filled with the smell of Sindoor (vermilion powder) as the town welcomes Nepali New Year 2081 following the Lunar calendar.

The annual festival of Sindoor Jatra paints the town with orange Sindoor, which is observed on the 2nd of Baisakh, the second day of the first month of the year, as per the Lunar calendar. A total of 26 ceremonial palanquins are brought to the temple square by devotees, completely soaked in Sindoor and accompanied by singing and dancing troupes.

"We smear vermilion powder on...