I was born and raised in Patan, but Bungamati, where I spent most of my school holidays as a child, has always felt like home. To say I am acquainted to this old town would be an understatement. I am attached to it and all its elements—the people, the maze-like gallis, the temples.

When the 2015 Nepal earthquakes devastated this town, leaving most houses unfit to live in, I thought neither the locals, nor I would ever move on. But, on a recent visit to Bungamati, I realised that time heals everything.

Today, the frustration on their faces, so palpable in the immediate aftermath of the quakes, has been reclaimed by smiles. Courage and resilience might now sound like clichés—having been hammered into our consciousness for the past two years—but it seems these truly are the operative words for Bungamati.

Even when the places I played at, growing up, feel a little distant, the people are still as warm and ever welcoming. It’s true, home is not a place, it’s a feeling. 

Text and Photos : Rashik Maharjan 

But what will go up, must first come down. 

Oh, well.

Some where in between.

While the world spins madly on.

Bent but unbowed.

A doko at a time.

What tomorrow will bring.