Class 9 English Chapter 8 Question Answers - Kathmandu

Q1: How was the atmosphere at Pashupatinath?
Ans: The atmosphere at Pashupatinath was confusing and feverish. There was febrile confusion. The priests, hawkers, tourists, and animals were roaming around aimlessly. Devotees were pushing one another to go to the front.

Q2: Why did the policeman stop the party of Westerners in the temple?
Ans: Only Hindu devotees are allowed entry in the Pashupatinath temple. There was a party of tourists from the West who wanted permission to enter the temple. The policeman was not convinced that they were Hindus. So he stopped them from entering the temple.

Q3: What were the activities which one can notice at the Bagmati river?
Ans: Bagmati is the holiest river in Kathmandu. Its bank is always busy in religious ceremonies. One can see people throwing offerings in it. Corpses are also cremated at the river bank. Washerwomen wash clothes and children take a bath in the river.

Q4: How was the atmosphere at the Baudhnath shrine?
Ans: The atmosphere at the Baudhnath Shrine was very calm, quiet, and peaceful. There was a sense of stillness in and around the Baudhnath Shrine. There was no crowd and hustle and bustle around the bazaar too.

Q5: What did the author buy from Kathmandu?
Ans: The author enjoyed his stay in the Kathmandu bazaar. He was very happy. He bought for himself a bar of Marzipan, a roasted corn-on-the-cob which was rubbed with salt and chili powder and lemon. He bought some books too.

Q6: Describe the Kathmandu bazaar in your own words. Do you think these bazaars are helpful for the locals for developing a social bond?
Ans: The Kathmandu Bazaar is a bustling hub of activity, filled with fruit-sellers, flute-sellers, and postcard hawkers. The atmosphere is lively, characterized by noise and commotion. Various items, including Western cosmetics, film rolls, chocolates, copper utensils, and Nepalese antiques, are sold in the shops. The bazaar resonates with music, with the melodies of film songs drifting from radios. The flute-sellers add a unique charm, playing their flutes meditatively rather than resorting to loud sales tactics. These markets indeed contribute to the locals' social bonding, offering employment opportunities and a platform to showcase their cultural values. Interactions among people from diverse cultures foster special connections.

Q7: Describe the flute-sellers’ pattern of life. Do you feel that such talents are generally ignored and never get an opportunity to excel in their life? What should be done for such talents?
Ans: The flute-seller's routine involves selecting a flute from his collection and playing it periodically, not aggressively promoting sales but engaging in meditative playing. The author finds this approach intriguing and is captivated by the flute-seller's dedication to the art of playing.
Unfortunately, many such local talents often go unnoticed and lack opportunities to excel. Their potential remains untapped, and their skills may fade away silently. To address this issue, activities or events in markets and fairs could be organized to highlight the talents of these artists. Government support, media exposure, and platforms that showcase their skills would help nurture and elevate their abilities.

Q8: The author finds a lot of confusion outside the temple in Kathmandu. What were the confusions about? Is this type of confusion common in our temples?
Ans: The surroundings outside the temple in Kathmandu were marked by disorder and commotion. Priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, and even animals created a chaotic scene. Devotees jostled for positions in the front, and policemen dealt with foreign visitors suspected of not being Hindus.
Such confusion is not uncommon in many of our temples. Disorderly conduct, mismanagement, and chaotic environments are prevalent in some prominent religious places. Beggars and self-proclaimed holy figures can further contribute to the disorder. True religiosity should entail maintaining the sanctity of temples, promoting peace, and adhering to proper decorum.

Q9: Bagmati is the holy river in Kathmandu where some religious and non-religious activities are undertaken. Rivers are considered pious in our country and are worshipped. According to you, what is the best way to show our reverence to the holy rivers?
Ans: Bagmati, the sacred river in Kathmandu, witnesses a range of activities, from cremations to washing clothes, bathing, and religious offerings. While rivers hold a revered place in our culture and are worshipped, their purity is often compromised.
To genuinely show reverence to holy rivers, we must prioritize their cleanliness and preservation. Avoiding pollution by refraining from dumping waste or harmful substances is crucial. During rituals, using environmentally friendly materials for offerings and avoiding plastics can help protect aquatic life. Engaging in river cleanup initiatives, raising awareness about river conservation, and supporting policies for river protection are all meaningful ways to honor and worship these lifelines.