12 Year Bhadrakālī Dance, Balampu

On 30 January 2016 (B.S. 16 Magh 2072, Saturday), the 12-year Bhadrakālī ritual dance was performed at the Brahmapur chowk (later corrupted as Balampu) at Indracoka, Kathmandu.

Pacalī Bhairava performing tantric worship during the ritual dance

Photo By: Abhas D Rajopadhyaya (30 January 2016, Kathmandu)

A member of Rājopādhyāya clan of Balampu, Indracoka and a
noted artist Jeevan Rajopadhyaya offers a white duck on behalf
of the Balampu Rājopādhyāya Āgama Chheṃ to the Kaumāri devī of 12-year Bhadrakālī ritual dance at Balampu Chowk

Photo By: Abhas D Rajopadhyaya (30 January 2016, Kathmandu)

Old Photo: Aakash Bhairav

Aakash Bhairav at around the turn of century

Location : Indrachoka, Kathmandu, Nepal.

In the photograph, the temple at the right side is that of Ākāśa Bhairava.

In many temples, people would not be allowed to go to the roof (except on some occasions, in some temples), unlike in this photograph. But locals would go to the roof of the temple from the top of the adjacent house. Now, after the reconstruction of this temple in 2000s, going to the roof (as in this photograph) is not allowed.

The photograph depicts a festive occasion, and people have gathered in large number at every possible places that outlook the street.