Origin and History of Passover in Nepal
Passover, also known as Pesach, is a seven to eight day grand celebration of Jews, which begins on the 15th day of the first Hebrew month of Nisan. Passover is one of the most prevalent and significant festivals in the Jewish calendar. As per the legends, this festival commemorates the exodus of Israelites from the slavery of the cruel Egyptians. Although traditions vary from country to country, but it is celebrated throughout the world with much fervor and enthusiasm. The ‘Seder on Top of the World’ annually held in Kathmandu is one of the largest known Passover Seders in the world. The Jewish community of Nepal has been celebrating Pesach for almost two decades. The first grand Passover meal was organized in 1989 in the Pumpernickel Bakery, when Israeli and Jewish travelers asked Israeli Embassy to help them organize a Pesach celebration in Nepal. Explore some interesting traditions that are followed to make it one of the best Jewish celebrations in the world.
Local name: Pesach
Ways to celeberate Pesach in Nepal
To attend the grandest Seder meal in the world, thousands of Jews arrive in Nepal from all over the world, particularly from Israel, America, Australia, and Europe. They trek up the sky-tall Himalayas to celebrate Passover amidst natural landscaped beauty. Lubavitch rabbis are dispatched every year to the Chabad house in Nepal to prepare for the arrival of thousands of Jewish backpackers or travelers. These rabbis bring hundreds of pounds of Kosher Matzah, other Seder foods, and Haggadahs (Seder prayer books) with them to provide for the celebration. When the Passover goods arrive, all Jews present, collectively unload them from the trucks, which itself is a unique kind of celebrations. On the Pesach night, all Jews gather in a gigantic army tent in front of the Israeli Embassy. These tents are lined end to end with long tables laden with Haggadahs, bottles of wine, and Seder plates, where they learn about the ancient history and traditions.
