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Two years ago, Bidur Dangol of Vajra Books informed me about the arrival of three rare and expensive copies of the translated Muluki Ain from Heidelberg University, Germany. After several discussions, we decided to publish an affordable edition of the Muluki Ain. The Muluki Ain, initially introduced by Prime Minister Jang Bahadur Rana in 1854, evolved significantly over time. While it was simply known as Ain during much of the Rana regime, it took its current form only in the 1952 editions, after the fall of the Rana regime. Regardless, it remains a pioneering legal code in Nepal, introduced at a time when many countries did not have constitutions, making it pivotal to the legal, social, and political history of Nepal and relevant to the entire South Asian region.

The Muluki Ain was particularly notable given the absence of trained jurists in Nepal at the time and the lack of a direct impetus for such comprehensive codification in the mid-19th century. It aimed to replace fragmented regional legal systems, bringing Nepal under a single legal framework. Before this, King Prithivi Narayan Shah had promulgated various Ain, including the Rajkaj Ain of 1768, but none were as comprehensive as the Muluki Ain. The current English version has been meticulously translated and analyzed by three prominent scholars: Dr. Rajan Khatiwoda, Dr. Simon Cubelic, and Prof. Dr. Axel Michaels, who have a deep understanding of Hindu jurisprudence practiced in Bharatbarsha.

Although attributed to Jang Bahadur Rana, the Muluki Ain was further improved by the law council (Ain Kausala), which consisted of around 230 members from various walks of life, including senior members of the Rana family, Rajgurus, Chautariyas, civil and military officers, and notable individuals from various regions. This contribution is duly acknowledged by the translators. Interestingly, the Muluki Ain also replaced the 'Kitabisawal' with the 'Mulukisawal' issued by the same council and published by Gorkhapatra Chapakhana in 1936.

As explained in the preface, the Muluki Ain is "a book that is more quoted than understood." This may be due to various interpretations and misinterpretations over time. The text predominantly encapsulates Brahmanical social ideas, legal concepts, and local practices, vividly portraying the socio-economic and religious complexities of mid-19th century Nepal.

The primary objective of this publication is to make the Muluki Ain accessible to a wider audience and inform them about its significance. While scholars have different opinions about it, very few have thoroughly read it. Many make sweeping statements about it, including both native and foreign scholars. Some foreign scholars have worked on the Muluki Ain, but their perspectives may not fully capture its essence. Societies evolve, and understanding the dynamics of a historical society is crucial. The Muluki Ain offers ample opportunities to understand laws surrounding caste and family systems, purity and sexuality, and punishment systems in 19th-century Nepal. The text covers penalties for a wide range of offenses, from serious crimes like theft and murder to minor infractions such as spitting and farting, offering a fascinating glimpse into the social norms and legal practices of the time.

The current translation will greatly aid scholars, researchers, and those interested in the socio-economic and political environment of South Asia and Nepal. One of the translators rightly argues that legal codification, a first step towards constitutional law, is not entirely a positive law nor based on the modern concept of equality before the law. However, it should be understood and analyzed as a historical text, a unique example of the codification process in South Asia at a time when such processes were limited to the Western world, starting from Europe with Prussia (1794), France (1804), the Habsburg monarchy (1812), and Japan (1896-1898).

Saubhagya Pradhananga, former head of the National Archives of Nepal, echoes this sentiment in the preface, stating that the book will become a crucial resource for understanding the role of law in the formation of modern Nepal. It will be useful for scholars, students, journalists, and others interested in how Nepal has evolved over time. Originally published by Heidelberg University, Vajra Books has now made this seminal work readily available to Nepalese and South Asian audiences. Bidur Dangol and Vajra Books deserve congratulations for bringing this work to the public. The book was published on the 20th anniversary of Vajra Books in Thamel, with a 20 percent discount offered on it.

The pandemic in 2020 forced us to redefine our relationship with wellness. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about being disease free. We needed to up our immunity and be in good form. This process might have been impossible had it not been for a slew of professionals who turned to their social media accounts to bring us the resources we needed. Many of them had already been providing helpful content for years but the lockdowns allowed us to finally take notice and explore.

 Fast forward several years later and most of us have again gotten caught up in the daily grind. We rush through our mornings and are often sending emails late into the night. However, our health must be our priorities, else everything will eventually fall apart. There’s so much information on the internet now, on health and fitness (and everything else), that it’s often difficult to separate the good from the bad. So, to ease you into the world of wellness online, we are recommending three wellness experts who can guide you through your journey of becoming a fitter and better version of yourself.

 Satvic Movement

Satvic Movement is an online holistic health education platform. Founded in 2017, it has become a rapidly growing organization that has transformed the lives of millions of people. Subah Saraf and Harshvardhan Saraf are the people behind Satvic Movement. The co-founders battled chronic health conditions and overcame them through the Satvic way of life. Their healing journey influenced and inspired them to share what they learnt so that people could benefit from it.

 Subah and Harsh apparently controlled and reversed their thyroid and psoriasis through diet and lifestyle changes. When the couple began uploading videos of the ways in which they did it, they received millions of views. Today, their YouTube channel has over five million subscribers. They have 1.7m followers on Instagram. Subah and Harsh also recently wrote a book which was published by Harper Collins. Satvic Movement, on their Instagram page, provides bite sized content on ways in which you can improve your life. They also hold workshops that you can participate in for a nominal fee.

 Little Curves

Everybody wants to lose weight but not many of us know how we can do it without starving ourselves or denying ourselves the food our body craves. Dietician Khushboo Gupta who is a mindful eating coach can guide you through the process without making it seem like a herculean task. Gupta calls herself a food matchmaker, helping you attain the best relationship with food. Through her online platforms, she will guide you to make smart and healthy food choices.

Her Instagram page is filled with healthy meal recipes that you can make in minutes. There’s a no bread protein sandwich recipe that is delicious and filling. The no flour five-minute noodle recipe is so easy to replicate that you will not get packaged noodles ever again. There are many such useful eating tips and recipes for all kinds of health issues, from kidney stones and thyroid to constipation and diabetes. We recommend you go through the page to find the ones that suit you best.

Yogini Srishti

Srishti Kaushik is a yoga teacher whose Instagram page has 1.3m followers. Skilled in different styles of yoga including Hatha, Yin, Yang, Restorative, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga, Kaushik has been practicing yoga for the past 12 years. She started teaching yoga five years ago and has since then garnered a steady clientele. Her Instagram page is filled with useful tips and tricks to incorporate yoga asanas in your daily life no matter how busy you are.

She believes you can tackle all kinds of health issues with yoga and mindfulness and going by the testimonies of her clients who have reversed their thyroid issues and conceived naturally despite having reproductive health problems, it seems you can definitely put your faith in this cheerful teacher who always conducts classes with a smile on her face.

The rich tapestry of world music and its enduring connection to folk traditions have woven a narrative of cultural resilience and artistic innovation across the globe. From the streets of New York City to the remote villages of Nepal, the echoes of folk melodies resonate with a timeless authenticity, bridging continents and generations. In this exploration, we delve into the multifaceted landscape of world music, tracing its evolution through the folk revival of the 1960s to contemporary expressions that redefine cultural boundaries and celebrate diversity.

Folk revival of the 1960s: A cultural renaissance

The 1960s marked a pivotal moment in the history of folk music, characterized by a fervent revival of interest in traditional musical forms. This resurgence was fueled by a generation seeking authenticity and connection in a rapidly changing world. At the forefront of this movement were iconic figures like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, whose impassioned performances breathed new life into age-old ballads and protest songs.

Ben Corbett, a music journalist, reflects on the prominence of Dylan and Baez during this period, noting their role as torchbearers of the folk revival. Their music served as a rallying cry for social change, resonating with audiences who yearned for songs that spoke to the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people. Yet, the folk revival was not without controversy, as debates raged over the perceived dilution of folk music with the introduction of electric instruments and commercialization.

The Webster dictionary defines folk music as music originating from traditional culture, often passed down orally from generation to generation. However, as Kim Ruehl, a folk music writer, observes, the folk revival of the 1960s represented more than a mere renaissance of old songs. It was a catalyst for artistic exploration and cultural exchange, as folklorists documented diverse musical traditions, filmmakers compiled anthologies, and performers like Pete Seeger traversed the country, sharing their music with audiences far and wide.

Essence of folk music: Tradition, innovation, and authenticity

As the folk revival unfolded, the definition of folk music became a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. Traditionalists argued for the preservation of authentic folk traditions, while others embraced innovation and evolution within the genre. Alynda Segarra, the creative force behind Hurray for the Riff Raff, offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting that the essence of folk lies not in its musical style but in its message.

For Segarra, folk music is a vehicle for storytelling and social commentary, transcending genre boundaries to convey universal truths and experiences. In this light, the authenticity of folk music is not defined by adherence to a particular sound or style but by the sincerity and relevance of the artist's message. This redefinition of folk music resonates deeply with contemporary artists like Raithane, a Nepali group that infuses ethnic folk traditions with modern sensibilities to create music that speaks to the human condition across linguistic and cultural divides.

Jhuma Limbu, one of the founders of Raithane, shares her journey of discovery and creative expression, highlighting the role of travel and cultural immersion in shaping her artistic vision. Like Segarra, Limbu views folk music as a means of connecting with shared experiences and emotions, transcending geographical and cultural barriers to forge meaningful connections with audiences around the world.

Global impact of folk music: From Nepal to New York

While the folk revival of the 1960s may have originated in America, its influence reverberated across the globe, inspiring artists and musicians in far-flung corners of the world. In Nepal, a country with a rich tradition of folk music, the revival of traditional forms has taken on new significance in recent years.

Ethnomusicologist Kishore Gurung traces the evolution of Nepali music from its roots in rural folk traditions to the vibrant tapestry of sounds and styles that define the contemporary music scene. Despite the dominance of genres like Adhunik and Lok, Gurung emphasizes the enduring relevance of folk music as a repository of cultural heritage and collective memory.

In contrast to mainstream pop music, which often succumbs to commercial pressures and trends, folk music endures as a resilient and authentic expression of community identity and resilience. Bands like Kutumba, Night band, Cadenza Collective, Bipul Chettri, Gauley Bhai and many more indie artists exemplify this renaissance of Nepali music, blending traditional folk melodies with contemporary influences to create a sound that is both timeless and relevant.

Preserving cultural heritage: Challenges and opportunities

As Nepal and other countries grapple with the challenges of preserving their cultural heritage in the face of globalization and commercialization, the role of artists and cultural institutions becomes increasingly vital. Paul Greene, a social scientist, reflects on the importance of fostering a sense of pride and ownership in traditional musical forms, while also embracing innovation and experimentation.

Greene acknowledges the tensions inherent in this process, as artists navigate the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing change. Yet, he remains optimistic about the future of world music, citing the resilience of folk traditions and the passion of artists who continue to draw inspiration from the past while looking towards the future.

In conclusion, the story of world music and folk revival is one of resilience, creativity, and cultural exchange. From the bustling streets of New York City to the remote villages of Nepal, the echoes of folk melodies remind us of the enduring power of music to unite, inspire, and transform lives. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, let us not forget the rich tapestry of traditions that have shaped our collective identity and continue to enrich our lives with their timeless beauty and wisdom.

Having friends over for lunch or dinner is always a good idea. It allows us to spend some time together while making our friends feel valued, thus cementing our bond. We spend a lot of time working on the menu. It has to be perfect. Good food is the key to a great time. But we often underestimate the importance of fun, party décor unless it’s a birthday or anniversary celebration.

 There’s more to décor than balloons and streamers when you are hosting. Small things can liven up the atmosphere of your home, making your guests feel at ease and put them in a peppy mood. Here we share some of our favorite décor ideas that are sure to make your house party a fun and wholesome event and make you the talk of the town (in your friend’s circle, at least).

Harness the flower power

Flowers, real or faux, can brighten up a space with minimal effort. But rather than just a bunch of flowers on the dining room table or the coffee table, consider breaking it up and having a few stems in different places around the house. Don’t forget to place some in the guest bathroom as well. Pair it with a lit candle if your bathroom doesn’t get natural light during the day. You can also use artificial flowers but be careful not to overdo it and try to stick to ones that look as natural as possible. You can also put some rose petals in an urn and place that at the entrance along with some floating candles. It will give your space a cozy yet regal vibe.

Display the essentials

Bring out the cutlery, napkins, and toothpicks and display them in an interesting manner—on trays, flower vases, small candle holders etc. You can get pretty, printed napkins these days or if you want to be sustainable, opt for cloth napkins, complete with metal napkin rings. Put a water jug and glasses on a large tray, along with an interesting décor accessory like a flower vase, candle, or a random figurine and have it ready on the dining table. It can be an interesting yet functional display. Display your glassware on the bar and coffee and tea things on the kitchen counter for easy access as well as practical décor. The idea here is to put things you will need in the course of entertaining on display and make it a part of the party décor.

Put up some lights

String lights are a charm to your space. Most of us keep this décor accessory stowed away for Tihar or Christmas. But you can actually use them all year round. They are cheap, easy to maintain, and look great when lit. We recommend warm lights instead of cool or multicolored ones but the choice is yours. String these up at the entrance or in the living or dining space for an instant festive feel. It will lend your space a peaceful ambiance. If you are entertaining in the evening, turn off the overhead lights and put on lamps or light candles. Light some scented candles in different areas of the house—this will brighten up yourspace while making it smell great.

Make some noise

What’s a party without good music? Create a party playlist depending on when you are hosting, who are the guests, and what the day or night is like. There is perhaps nothing good music can’t solve. If you want your guests to wind down with a drink, play some soothing tunes. If you want them to feel upbeat, put on some house music. The only rule here is that the playlist has to be long enough to last the course of the party. You shouldn’t have to keep getting up to change the tracks. If you are having an outdoor party, we also suggest you put up some windchimes. Hang them up from the tree, if you have one, or put up a few wherever possible to be soothed by some tinkling sounds as your friends sit around chatting.

Focus on fabulous food arrangement

Good food can taste even better if it’s rightly displayed and served. We feast with our eyes first before we sit down to eat, don’t we?  So, take out your best serving bowls. Serving food in cooking utensils is a big, resounding no. Use cake trays to serve finger foods. Get creative. Turn an old bucket into a bright, chic drink receptacle. Spray paint it a funky color and write down ‘Drinks’ on it to create a cool beverage chiller. Think vertical displays. If you have small racks or stools that you can put on countertops or tables, bring them out, drape a fancy napkin or cloth over it and use it as a place to serve drinks or desserts.