Mangalinis are women who sing auspicious songs for religious rituals. The tradition of women singing auspicious songs for rituals was once widespread among Nepal's Hindu communities, but is declining today. This episode is concerned with the royal Mangalinis employed by Nepal's erstwhile royal family. After the end of monarchy, the women continue to sing for Dashain rituals at Hanumandhoka. Their songs contain elements of folk traditions but were crafted to meet changing priorities of the court. The women's status as 'auspicious' stems from the Hindu reverence of women's powers of creation.

The podcast discusses the royal Mangalinis, their songs, and includes an interview with ethnomusicologist Carol Tingey who researched the Mangalinis.