Andy Strangeway

(NB: This account is written by my wife, Ruth)

Today’s journey to Kachrihwa took us in a slightly different direction from days one and two.

This time our driver Ajay followed a smaller, narrower road which led us to a quiet temple complex in front of a beautiful, small Ram temple. Already waiting for us, ladies of the village were seated on steps, attired in colourful saris, whilst the men were standing to meet us in groups.

Three chairs had already been placed in the centre, in readiness for our arrival.

As with previous days, when I stood to deliver her speech, the villagers moved forward to listen to Mr Shanker’s translation.

Afterwards, names were read out of those chosen to receive a blanket, and these men and women stood in two rows by gender. Again, many younger relatives had walked from their homes to collect a blanket for their elderly relative.

One elderly gentleman, not very steady on his feet and using a stick. particularly caught our attention. As he stepped forward to take his own blanket, he was visibly moved to tears. The enormity of what we were doing here also touched both our hearts and moved us to tears. Such was the gratitude of this small man; we could not help but share his emotion.

Blankets for Lumbini, on its third and final day, is just a drop in the ocean. We cannot change the world, but with a little bit of love and kindness we can play a small part in improving it for a few people here in the Lumbini Cultural Municipality.

Namaste 

Further Information

• Blankets for Lumbini

Donations

Donations for Blankets for Lumbini 2027 are welcome. As I will cover distribution costs, 100% of all donations received will be spent on blankets.

(NB: This account is written by my wife, Ruth)

Today’s journey followed yesterday’s route, but Bhujahiya, the village we were visiting, was fractionally closer to Lumbini.

Once there, we parked at the side of the road. Residents of Bhujahiya and the village of Mujahana had already gathered under the shade of the trees, next to a very pretty pond which had white egrets wading in its water. It was an idyllic setting.

Fluttering in the breeze, between the trees, hung rows of silver decorations, sparkling in the sunlight, marking the current festival of Dashain.

As with day one, we were treated like royalty, and within minutes of our arrival we were comfortably seated and clutching a bottle of welcome cold water.

It was really enjoyable sitting and admiring the ladies, seated on the grass, in their beautiful saris, and observing the scene before us of young and old alike who had kindly turned out to meet us.

In front of us, a large solid wooden table appeared, and all the big bundles of blankets were removed from the van and placed on top of it.

After introductions and speeches, the process of giving out the blankets began and photos were then taken with each recipient, before group photos were also taken.

With several older, wonderful characters receiving a blanket from us, we enjoyed further banter with them and the chance to take more photos. We will think of them during the cold winter months, when we are back in England, so fortunate to be benefiting from the luxury of central heating and other creature comforts.

Further Information

• Blankets for Lumbini

Donations

Donations for Blankets for Lumbini 2027 are welcome. As I will cover distribution costs, 100% of all donations received will be spent on blankets.

(NB: This account is written by my wife, Ruth)

We were both excited and filled with anticipation as we clambered into the small Suzuki passenger van, which Mr Shanker had organised for us. On top, its roof rack was piled high with bundles containing the warmest winter blankets sourced from Kathmandu, ready to be shared amongst some of the poorest communities around Lumbini.

Kindly, Mr Shanker, in collaboration with others, had diligently worked to identify those recipients most in need of some support.

Today we were driving to Lamtihawa, a village located a few miles outside of Lumbini. This village, which is close to the Danau River and the site of a magnificent suspension bridge, is prone to flooding, and we were advised that aid agencies never travel so far to support it. Therefore, it is recognised as one of the poorest communities in the Lumbini Cultural Municipality. It is located in Ward Number 2.

We were treated to a wonderful drive through flat Terai open countryside, past acres of green paddy fields which were shortly due to be harvested. Passing small homesteads along the way, we eventually reached the small village of Lamtihawa.

Already waiting for us, seated in front of their beautiful Durga temple, were locals both from Lamtihawa and the nearby village of Bharthapur, who were also receiving blankets today. The hospitality we received was so kind. We were offered a plastic chair to sit on, in the shade, and given a welcome bottle of water. As the ceremonies commenced, we were bestowed with beautiful garlands of flowers and presented with a traditional Nepali khata, or welcome scarf.

After Mr Shanker had introduced us, I made the following speech on behalf of us both:

“My husband Andy and I live in England. Our country has a very strong relationship, over many years, with Nepal.

My father was a member of the 4th Gurkha Rifles Regiment, stationed in India at the time of Partition.

Andy has visited Nepal over many years. In 2021, he met our dear friend Mr Shanker for the first time. In 2023, I visited Nepal for the first time. The kindness we have received in Nepal has been humbling.

The purpose of our visit is Buddhism. Each morning at 5 a.m., we visit the Maya Devi temple in Lumbini.

In both Hinduism and Buddhism, giving is a core moral duty. So it is our pleasure to be able to give these blankets to you today.

Andy has stayed in Lumbini during the winter months and knows how cold the nights and days are. We hope that these blankets will keep you warm this winter.

We would like to thank Mr Shanker and everyone who has helped to make this possible, and also say a sincere thank you to all those kind people in England who have contributed.

As we give and receive, we are all connected, and it is with great joy that we share this moment with you today.”

Next, the names of those nominated villagers from Lamtihawa were called out. Many were too old and infirm to attend in person, but it was heartwarming to meet their younger relatives who had come to represent them and carry their heavy blanket home.

Then the process was repeated for recipients of Bharthapur and photographs were taken.

In total, 35 blankets were given out.

We were overwhelmed by the gratitude that we received from everyone.

Afterwards, sitting quietly and processing our emotions and the events of the day, we both concluded that we were so blessed to have found ourselves in such an amazing position.

Further Information

• Blankets for Lumbini

Donations

Donations for Blankets for Lumbini 2027 are welcome. As I will cover distribution costs, 100% of all donations received will be spent on blankets.

Blankets for Lumbini came to life yesterday when 108 blankets arrived safely in Lumbini.

Blankets safely arrive at Lumbini Garden Lodge

Unloading of Blankets

The blankets are now safely stored at Lumbini Garden Lodge, where Shanker has kindly given the use of his sitting room for storage of five of the six bundles. Each bundle contains 18 blankets.

Blankets safely stored

Delivery to six local villages is expected to commence on Wednesday. It is hoped to distribute to two villages each day.

Thank You

I would like to thank those in the UK who have kindly made donations to make this possible.

• Blankets for Lumbini

If anyone would like to be added to an email mailing list for regular updates as the purchase and distribution of the blankets unfolds, please email me at andystrangewaybds@gmail.com

Donations

As the demand for warm blankets is extensive, donations will always be warmly received for next year. I will cover distribution costs enabling 100% of all donations received to be spent on blankets.

The world has been shocked and saddened by the recent devastation caused by the floods in Nepal. Friends in Nepal shared videos that left me speechless. While the floods were at the northern border with China, Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is near the Indian border to the south of Nepal. Since 2021, I have been fortunate to visit Lumbini on seven occasions for my Buddhist practice.

Blankets Delivery – October 2026

After my return to the UK from Nepal and India in February 2026, my health was challenged for over six months, with a urinary infection and then two kidney stones that required two stents to be fitted between my kidney and bladder. Although many in Nepal experience similar health challenges, they do not enjoy free access to a health service like the NHS that I was fortunate to receive at York Hospital. While a small percentage can afford private health care, for many even buying simple medicines is beyond their financial means.

In North Yorkshire, the second most popular first language is Nepalese. This is probably due to the number of Gurkhas who serve with the British Army at Catterick Garrison. As a country, the UK will always be indebted to Nepal. Personally, it is a debt I can never repay. Nepal has changed my life. Thanks to Nepal, my body and mind were healthy enough to positively respond to the health challenges of the past few months.

In the Lumbini area of Nepal, while the hot summers reach temperatures of over 40 degrees, winter is the most dangerous to life. During winter months across the Vale of York, England, many have experienced temperature inversions. The inversion in Lumbini is much greater and more severe than this; it is caused by being trapped between the high mountains of Kashmir and the mighty Bay of Bengal. I have witnessed January in Lumbini, and although I am blessed to have tailored-fitted winter clothes, warm nutritious food and appropriate accommodation, the inversion still penetrated my core at times.

Access to medical care, warm clothing, shelter, and food remains an issue for many in the villages around Lumbini. Many local people succumb to the persistent thick fog and damp cold air due to the unavailability of basic needs.

Over the coming months, to help those who would be affected by exposure to the inversion across Lumbini this winter, I plan to purchase and distribute a minimum of 108 warm blankets in time for the winter months as 108 is an auspicious number for both Buddhists and Hindus. I have many friends who are residents of the Lumbini area, and they will kindly give assistance where required, including ensuring that blankets go directly to those most in need in local villages.

While each blanket will cost only about £13 in UK terms, for a pensioner in Nepal this represents 65% of their monthly pension and is unaffordable for those who need them most.

Further Information

• Blankets for Lumbini

If anyone would like to be added to an email mailing list for regular updates as the purchase and distribution of the blankets unfolds, please email me at andystrangewaybds@gmail.com

Donations

As I will cover distribution costs, 100% of all donations received will be spent on blankets.