Home > Animals > Mammals > Water Buffalo
Dasara festival - Gurkhas - NWFP
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Dasara festival - Gurkhas - NWFP
Gurkhas sacrificing a water buffalo as part of the Dasara festival, held for 10 days in September October. This regiment are British colonial forces stationed in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) in territory which is now part of Pakistan. Date: 1920s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23034588
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Afghan Barrack Barracks Belief Buffalo Buffalos Courtyard Festival Frontier Gurkha Gurkhas Hindu Hinduism Hindus Nepalese Nwfp Onlookers Pakistan Pakistani Regiment Sacrifice Sacrifices Sacrificing Territory
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Water Buffalo
> Asia
> India
> Related Images
> Asia
> Pakistan
> Related Images
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the sacred ritual of Dasara, a ten-day Hindu festival celebrated in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) during September-October in the 1920s. The scene unfolds in the courtyard of a British colonial barracks, where Gurkha regiment soldiers, hailing from Nepal, perform an essential part of the festival. Gurkhas, renowned for their bravery and loyalty, were an integral part of the British colonial forces in the region, which is now part of Pakistan. The photograph shows these soldiers, dressed in their distinctive uniforms, preparing to sacrifice a water buffalo. The animal, an essential offering to the gods during Dasara, is believed to purify the environment and bring good fortune. The onlookers, a mix of soldiers and local villagers, watch the proceedings with reverence and anticipation. The air is filled with the aroma of incense and the sound of traditional music, adding to the festive atmosphere. The background of the photograph reveals the barrack buildings, a reminder of the British colonial presence in the region. The Gurkha soldiers, with their strong connection to their Nepalese roots and Hindu beliefs, carried out this ancient tradition with great reverence and respect. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural history of the region and the complex interplay of religious beliefs, colonialism, and military life during that era.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
