Passover is one of the most momentous festivals in the Jewish calendar. Celebrated by the Jewish community across the globe with immense zeal and enthusiasm, the occasion marks the freedom of the Israelites from enslavement of the Egyptians. The Passover season, also known as Pesach or Pesah, begins from the 15th of the Nisan month of the Hebrew calendar and continues till the seventh or eighth day. This weeklong festival is filled with family gatherings, feasting and merriment. The Seder celebrated in Katmandu, Nepal, is considered to be the largest in the world. It has now become a favorite spot for Jews during Passover. Continue browsing through the following lines to know more about Nepali Pesach celebrations and traditions.
Passover Celebrations In Nepal
Around 2,000 Jewish people arrive early in the tiny mountaintop kingdom of Katmandu in Nepal to witness the largest Passover Seder in the world. This tradition began somewhere in the mid-1990s by Jewish travelers and trekkers. Numerous Lubavitch rabbis are assigned at the Beth Chabad, Jewish religious center, in Thamel in Katmandu to prepare for the Seder that will be witnessed by thousands of Jewish backpackers on Passover. Hundreds of pounds of kosher matzah, fish, meat, wine and Haggadahs are brought along for the Seder.
Jews from all across the world, including Israel, America, Australia and Europe arrive early in India and trek up the Himalayas to reach Katmandu for the festive celebrations. Apart from the Orthodox Jews, there are other Jews who visit this place to experience a unique religious carnival. Many enthusiastic visitors volunteer for the Seder meal preparation. The Pesach night is arranged in a huge army tent decked up in front of the Israeli embassy. Long tables are lined up decorated with Haggadahs, bottles of wine and Seder plates. Every Jewish person gets a chance to connect with his religion and know its true meaning.
While the largest Seder is celebrated in Katmandu, the second largest can be experienced in Pokhara. This place is considered to be even more breathtaking than Katmandu since it is located in natural beauty. Pokhara, termed as Nepal’s center of adventure, witnesses around 500 Jewish spectators from all over the world on Passover. The Lubavitch World Headquarters delegate additional rabbis and food to organize the Seder at this place. Truly, Nepal is a wonder to watch on the holy festival of Passover illuminated with the lights of spirituality and religious meaning.
