Corn is one of the popular staples in Nepal. And it would be surprising that stack of corn built near the settlements is attracting tourists. However, it is the truth. The corn stacks locally known as Shuli are attracting tourists in Ramkot, Bandipur.
Bandipur is famous for its age-old traditional settlement built according to Newar architect. Moreover, during the month of Bhadra it is not only the locality, the lifestyle here is also attracting tourists.
Traditionally, building the stack of corn is a method used by the locals. It is done to get rid of rodents and insects. Then, locals use the stored corncob as seeds for next plantation. According to a local here, Chandra Bahadur Thapa making corn stack has helped a lot in saving corns. Likewise, another local Bir Bahadur Thapa comments, “When the corns are stacked, the seeds are secured. And it also cleans our home/sheds, saving the seeds.”
Nepal’s neglected crops
Despite the fact that the rain wets the outer layer of corns, sun equally helps to dry them. Nevertheless, the corns come with great quality and taste, says Min Kumari Thapa. Since the stacking has gone massive popularity, nowadays, people gather in a group to make a stack of corn.
This not only saves corn from rodents but also attracts tourists at the heart of Bandipur’s village. The visitors are always impressed by the locals’ way of decorating the outside view of the homes and sheds with corn cobs.
According to a local Hom Bahadur Thapa, the stack of corns has added the beauty to the place. “The tourists are always astonished by our way of decorating homes with the stacks of corns overhead.” Today, not only international tourists but the number of domestic tourists has increased.
“Stacking corns is the village’s practice. It’s normal for us but the visitors always find it impressive. They are attracted to it. They come here, enjoy seeing our work and go home with photographs as memory,” comments Nul Singh Thapa, another local.
