Bhimaratha ceremony

paint on textile (paubha)
Nepal (Kathmandu-valley), mid 19th cent.
size: 71 x 50 cm.

Ushnishavaijaya in a white stupa is the well-known symbol for long-life in Nepal. This is strongly associated with the Bhimaratha-ceremony: when a man reaches the age of 77 years, 7 monthes and 7 days, he is no longer requested to perform religious ceremonies.

The lower part of the painting consists of the procession, in which the man is taken to the temple for the Bhimaratha-ceremony; below this sits the complete family.