On our initial training day for the microfinance project (see previous post) at the Kavre School, there was lots happening! It turns out that not only was the TRIFC project taking off, but it was also Saraswati Day. Saraswati is the goddess of learning in Hinduism, and her image graces nearly every classroom I've seen in Nepal. To honor her, the teachers and students from the school, along with me, Rob and some of the ladies from the microfinance project, gave puja (offerings/blessings) to Saraswati in three places (2 temples dedicated to her, and a framed photo on the chair in the school yard). There was a celebratory air around the school that day and a special dinner was served later that evening. Thanks to the welcoming teachers and students who not only included me, but also taught me their traditions. There's no such thing as too much good karma for education!
Waiting to leave for the first temple. The construction materials you see in the background are for hostel construction on the third floor of the school building. 
More waiting in line...At the first temple. 
One of the teachers at the Kavre School for the Deaf giving Puja to Saraswati in the first temple. The teachers went first, then the older students, younger students, and finally the stragglers (i.e. me) :)
Giving puja at the final stop in the school yard. By this point, the nearby Saraswati temples had all been covered in rice, powder dye, flowers, wreaths and incense. 
A final look at the impressive school yard puja.
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