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My City, Soul of My City

Seto Machhindranath temple’s youngest teen priest

“I grew interest in our culture when I was a child. I used to play games pretending to carry khat (palanquin), pulling chariot and sit in the chariot. Only when I turned 17, I got the chance for the first time to carry the actual khat. I liked it and volunteered for the second time. And this year I got to carry it again. Deep inside I feel I should follow tradition to preserve our cultural heritage. As long as I stay in Kathmandu, I am willing to be devoted to the deity,” says Shakya.
By Shahin Sunuwar Rasaili

 


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Change is the only thing that is inevitable. And usually new generations’ thoughts and actions are somewhat different from their older generations. However, Utsav Shakya, 19-year-old student studying BBS at Public Youth Campus is following his tradition of being a priest. Shakya is the youngest priest of Seto Machhindranath temple and he is willingly working as a priest. “I grew interest in our culture when I was a child. I used to play games pretending to carry khat (palanquin), pulling chariot and sit in the chariot. Only when I turned 17, I got the chance for the first time to carry the actual khat. I liked it and volunteered for the second time. And this year I got to carry it again. Deep inside I feel I should follow tradition to preserve our cultural heritage. As long as I stay in Kathmandu, I am willing to be devoted to the deity,” says Shakya. When he is not doing his priestly duty, he is just like any other teenagers.

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