[Oscar R. Houston—home movies] Reel 25

Date1950

AbstractIntertitle: “Bodnath and its Lama” A few shots of the Lama of Baudhanāth Stupa and the stupa itself. Intertitle: “Baláji and the Reincarnate Vishnu.” A few shots of a sculpture of a reclining Vishnu and a fountain. Intertitle: “The First Commercial Plane ever toland [sic] in Nepal.” Footage of a plane landing and passengers exiting the plane greeted by a crowd of people, a military guard and a band. A few shots of people around the Swayambunath stupa and the stupa itself. Intertitle: “Swayámbunath, a Buddhist Shrine for more than 2,000 Years.” Footage of street life around the shrine, including shots of the local people, the stupa, a woman interacting with local children, monkeys crawling about the shrine, a man at work and men carrying a large stone. Intertitle: “Pashpati and its Sacred River.” Footage of people and buildings along the Bagmati River. Intertitle: “The Sacrifices of Dasahra.” Footage of a man with a large blade conducting an animal sacrifice in front of a large crowd. Intertitle: “His Highness the Maharajah celebrates Phulpati.” Footage of a military procession followed by a volley of gunfire. Intertitle: “And the Everlasting Hills.” A shot of hills. Donor Notes: “Nepal: 2 reels, originals” NHF Notes: “Per Jane Beal: "very unique footage: first western view of Nepal in 300 years.”