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2nd Bhaktapur Night – 2002
4th November 2002
Bhaktapur – a mystic medieval town, even known as a cultural capital of Nepal has gloriously preserved ancient historical sites, unique cultural heritages, monuments, monasteries and palaces of Malla Era. One can spontaneously feel the aroma of the 17th century while wondering through narrow brick paved alleyies and open squares of this beautiful city. About 42% of tourists travelling to Nepal visit Bhaktapur every year.
Night life in Bhaktapur is heavenly for tourists. In order to develop the concept of "Night Tourism" – Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee organized 2nd Bhaktapur Night on the 4th of November 2002. The event was promoted by Nepal Tourism Board and supported by Bhaktapur Municipality. It actually was "The cultural event to explore and experience Bhaktapur".
The event aimed to attain the following goals.
· To promote "Night Tourism" in Bhaktapur.
· To expose and promote the originality of rich Newah tradition and cultural activities.
· To preserve age old traditions and cultures by catering benefits to the original cultural performers.
· To help promote "Destination Nepal – 2002-2003".
· To promote typical Newah Cuisine.
Support and Co-operation
The promotional aspect of the event was taken care of by Nepal tourism board. NTB promoted the event through Nepal Television, Classic fm, Press Release and even supported in publishing broucher, posters, tickets and banners for the programme. Space Time Publication too has played a key role by giving complementary advertisement of the event for over a week on its daily publications both Nepali and English newspaper. Bhaktapur Municipality extended its cooperation for the success of the programme by waiving the charges of the programme premises. Nyatapola Corner Team, cultural group and some other organizations also supported and co-operated during the event.
The Participants
Over 200 visitors participated the event including 92 foreign tourists. Some of the V.I.P. personalities – general manager of World Bank, the executive mayor of Bhaktapur Municipality, the executive chief of Bhaktapur District Development Committee, BCCI president, S.P. Mr. Deepak Ranjit and some other intellectual personalities also participated and enjoyed the programme.
The Programme
The programme including number of events and activities that one could rarely observe and experience any where else than Bhaktapur. It tried to provide the glimpses of ancient old
Newah traditional and culture in the setting of the 17th century. The organizing committee has managed transportation facility to the guests from and to Kathmandu. All the guests were gathered at Bharbacho-white gate and garlanded and welcomed in a typical
Newah tradition. The guests were taken around Bhaktapur along Nasamana, Pottery Square, Taumadhi Square and Durbar Square. They were lead by a musical procession played by a group of
Newah traditionally dressed ladies accompanied by men in T.D. holding oil torches and flags under the illumination of Deepawali atmosphere. Heterazenous activities such as – Hand loom weaving, Pottery making, Mat weaving, Rice drying process, Making of bitten rice. Distilling traditional wine (Ayla) etc were demonstrated live around pottery square.
The major event of the programme took place at Durbar Square. Where all the guests were sited on a chair and served
Newah snacks drinks and entertained them with traditional Newah dances. After the completion of the dances. Jho Bhoya –
Newah dinner was served in the settings of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Conclusion
It was a grand success. This kind of programme is most essential in order to promote night tourism. This event is supportive in conserving or our ancient old traditions and culture, the value of which is continuously deteriorating in the modern era. Such event will definitely help in promoting "Night Tourism" and cultivating awareness of preserving our
Newah Culture and traditions among the local community. Therefore, we assure to continue such events regularly in the coming days with the cooperation from NTB and other relevant organizations.
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