Silu (song)
"Silu" (Nepal Bhasa: and Devanagari:सिलु) is a traditional Nepalese song about a couple from Kathmandu who go on a pilgrimage to Silu and get separated. The ballad in Nepal Bhasa dates from the early 15th century. Written by an unnamed composer, Silu is a popular seasonal song in Newar society. It is one of the six seasonal songs and is sung during the rainy season (August). Silu is what the Newars call Gosaikunda, a holy lake located to the north of Kathmandu. Situated at an elevation of 4,380 m in the Himalaya, it is associated with the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The lake is also held sacred by Buddhists who associate it with the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Synopsis The epic song is in the form of a dialogue between the husband and wife. When he announces his plan to visit Silu to take part in the ritual bathing festival, she expresses her desire to go with him. He tries to dissuade her by reminding her of the saying that a husband and wife going together is bad luck. But she insists, and he lets her come along. When they reach Silu, the king sees her and sends soldiers to take her