BHAKTAPUR, Dec 17: The Bhaktapur Festival 2081, organized by Bhaktapur Municipality, has attracted a large crowd of domestic tourists. The festival, which will was held for five days in Bhaktapur, concluded on Tuesday.
According to the information provided by the festival organizers, the festival, which began on December 13, has seen the arrival of about 100,000 domestic tourists daily, with the number rising to around 200,000 on weekends and public holidays.
The festival, which starts at all four entry points of the historic city of Bhaktapur, offers a variety of attractions for both domestic and international tourists.
Sunil Prajapati, mayor of Bhaktapur, said that the festival has been organized with the goal of increasing the number of tourists and promoting Bhaktapur to the world. It offers a chance to closely observe the local traditions, festivals, and processions, from the boat rides to the various cultural practices in the city.
Tourists arrival in Bhaktapur increases
During the festival organized by the municipality, boat rides have been arranged in Yatubahre Pokhari, Nah Pokhari and Siddh Pokhari located at Kamalbinayak. At these ponds, visitors can enjoy boat rides in some areas, while in others, there are arrangements for water cycling.
The books from 17 publishing houses are on display at a book exhibition at Lamgal ground in Kamalbinayak. In addition to a flute and drum competition, a photo exhibition showcasing historical, cultural, and lifestyle aspects is being held on the premises of Vidyarthi Niketan Higher Secondary School. Around 50 artists have displayed their artworks at the old Janajyoti Library site in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square area, while sculptor Bikal Prajapati’s solo sculpture exhibition has attracted the attention of the audience.
Various cultural programs and drama shows are being held in the area where educational fairs and exhibitions of various schools are held in the Khwopa College on Dekocha premises. Children friendly fair and cultural programs are being conducted in the Bhelukhel area where there are educational exhibitions of various schools. Tourists have been attracted by the enticing Newar culture exhibited at Bhaktapur tole.
The devotional songs sung by various groups at every corner of Bhaktapur have given visitors a glimpse of the old culture. At the Suryamadhi Tole, an exhibition has been held showcasing clay pots including traditional pots such as Khutruke (Piggy bank mud vessel), flowerpot, Dhupauro, Cilam, Bhajam and others.
It has also provided an opportunity to view the cultural and traditional procession of Bhaktapur celebrated in a year. At lyosinkhel tole, a 55-hand long lingo for the renowned Biscuit Jatra, along with Gaijatra, Ghintanghisi, various historical dances, and every Newar community’s 15-day fair, festival, and dance have been performed at the festival.
Among the main attractions of the festival are cultural programs such as flute competition, devotional songs, Naubaja, dance exhibition, Pauba art, traditional sports, Newari lifestyle, pottery exhibition, food festival, curd festival and entertainment activities.
One can also taste the food here in various food stalls related to Newar life, including Nyeda Punhi, Pyeda Punhi, Ihin, Kayta Puja, Barha, Janko Exhibition, and Yomri.
Mayor Prajapati said that the festival was successful in promoting Bhaktapur as a tourist destination and increasing economic activities of the city through the tourism industry by informing local and foreign guests about the art, culture, heritage and original products and lifestyle of Bhaktapur.
