A book launch at Patan Durbar Square in January | Veneeta Singha

A book launch at Patan Durbar Square in January

 

 

Patan Durbar Square is Nepal's historical signifier, heritage and cultural introduction. The art, architecture and metal sculptures speak of parampara and, now, need no explanation. I waited at the beautiful square today for a book launch. As the sun streamed in through the scaffolds, I discovered its wonders again. Joe Niemczura's new book 'The Sacrament of the Goddess' finds an eternally relevant space in Patan. 

 

 

The Malla kings were renowned for profound cultural and religious knowledge and iconography. It shows with grace and immediate impact in the Durbar Square. The Museum is among Asia's foremost showcases of the Tantric tradition. The sacrament, as I understand it, is a textual insignia. In deistic traditions, the goddess is emblematic of nature and nurture. She is strength. It augurs well for Nepal that an important cultural narrative is launched and its historic precedent re-awoken. An almost hidden view of the peaks, playfully interlaced by the Square's architectural designs, makes one wonder about our collective future. It reminds one that just as the Square was bustling with people, the mountains too are ever present. 

 

 

The book is a fitting reprieve for the Square and a herald of bright days ahead. The residents of Patan are always watchful and smiling. Today, it seemed they were pensive. I found yet another icon of our deistic heritage. Sadhus, vibrant and smeared with ash, smiled and posed. I could only hope to capture their unmistakable message of renunciation and, thus, existence. Young families, visitors, students and the elderly Patan basi listened to a band play some of Nepal's favourite tunes. I was not able to attend the book launch, unfortunately. Time ran out. I await the book's insights eagerly.