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There is no doubt Gulab Rao’s physical condition is deteriorating rapidly. His condition is so serious that he should be under intense medical care. Lying on the street and begging for some coins will only exacerbate his condition. Photo: LB Thapa By LB THAPA Gulab Rao, once a rich businessman had never thought one day time would turn so cruel against him that he would find himself bagging on the same street, where once he would walk as a proud businessman. Now he is helpless and there is no one to commiserate with his pain and agony.     However, there was a time when his business thrived and he had a happy family. Once his business was firmly established in Butwal, he also tried his luck in Pokhara. His crockery business was well established in Pokhara. This encouraged him to shift from Butwal to Pokhara permanently.  During his heyday, Gulab Rao had never had an iota of doubt that one day he would stoop so low that he had to beg on the street of Pokhara. So that he can buy som

Photo credit: Anil Blon The Baba at the Pashupatinath told me "If you take 'Shiva Buty' during the Shiva Ratri, all the sins you have committed in the past and present will be purged. Take one shot my boy and you will feel as if heaven has come on earth" Oh, really. Is it possible, I said. By LB THAPA In the last Shiva Ratri, I was in Kathmandu. Well, my intention was not to go to the Pashupatinath temple, but the hotel owner where I was staying advised me to visit the temple as I could meet some incredible sadhus there. Being a freelance writer and journalist, I am always hungry for a story or two.  I was really thrilled by the idea of seeing those naked naga babas and holy babas together.   Every year Hindu believers and sadhus from across the country thronged over the premises of lord Pashupatinath temple to mark auspicious Shiva Ratri with agog and excitement. Sadhus, tangled hair and ash smeared on their forehead, made their magnificent presence to witness the ho