Phulpati was observed throughout the country on the seventh day of the 10-day long Dashain festival on Wednesday by taking the Phulpati into the homes as per the tradition. 

As part of the religious and cultural celebration, Phulpati, an assortment of flowers, leaves and fruits of different plants considered auspicious, is anointed at the Dashainghar in Hanuman Dhoka, Basantapur of Kathmandu. 

Following the tradition, Phulpati is carried by six men belonging to Magar indigenous nationality from Gorkha Durbar in Gorkha district up to Jivanpur in Dhading. Six other men from the Brahman community then bring it to Kathmandu Jivanpur. According to Hanuman Dhoka Herchar Addha chief Aruna Nakarmi, this tradition began during the rule of King Prithvi Narayan Shah after he took over Kathmandu. Phulpati thereafter has been brought to Jamal of Kathmandu from Gorkha on a decorated palanquin. 

The Gurujyuko Platoon, the Nepal Army, Nepal police, and high-ranking officials of Armed Police and civil service, the Asha Gurja team, band music, panchebaja bands and decorated kalsyoulis, and a procession along with cultural pageantry leave Hanuman Dhoka for Jamal for receiving the Phulpati. 

Though the Dashain festival begins from Ghatasthapana, the festival sees special fervour from the day of Phulpati. The government as well as private offices close for Dashain holidays from Phulpati, encouraging people to go back to their respective ancestral homes and take blessings from Durga Bhawani as well as their elders.

Nepal Army personnel fire guns on the occasion of Phulpati during the Dashain festival at Tundikhel in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

 Hindu priests bring in Phulpati to Nasal Chowk on the Hanuman Dhoka Palace premises in the Capital on Wednesday. 

The Gurujyuko Platoon during Phulpati procession at Nasal Chowk. 

Nepal Army personnel fire canons to mark the Phulpati at Tundikhel.

 A devotee offers his prayers to the idol of Goddess Durga at New Road in the Capital.

A girl is seen playing on the traditional swing at Rupakot Resort in Rupakot, Pokhara on Wednesday.

 A kite seller waits for customers at Kalimati in Kathmandu. 8) Staff of long-distance buses load goods of passengers travelling out of the Valley for Dashain festival, at Koteshwor in Kathmandu.

Post photos:  Prakash Chandra Timilsena, SANJOG MANANDHAR, Saligram tiwari, KESHAV THAPA & ANIL BUDHATHOKI