Bhaktapur, May 13: A group of independent artists, writers, and journalists organized the cultural campaign ‘Jesum Yatra’ in Madhyapur Thimi on Monday to promote local heritage and spread positivity in response to rising negativity in society.
The day started with a heritage walk from Shankhadhar Sakhwa Chowk at 8 am, visiting historical and cultural landmarks including Balkumari Temple, Layaku Durbar, Nigoo Pukhu, Siddikali Temple, and the famed Golden Window of Tiki Jhya. The group concluded their walk at Kumari Temple Park.
‘Jesum Yatra’ concludes
At the park, visual artists painted Thimi’s heritage on canvas, while poets and writers composed and recited original works inspired by the city’s culture and history. Mithila artist Sarita Devi Mandal combined Thimi’s lifestyle and agriculture with traditional Mithila motifs.
Poet and campaign founder Anita Lama, who is also the deputy mayor of Budhanilkantha Municipality, said Jesum Yatra began seven years ago to reconnect society with its cultural roots. Press Council Nepal Chair and co-founder Balkrishna Basnet described the campaign as a cultural movement to counter misinformation and promote national identity.
Former Madhyapur Thimi Mayor Madan Sundar Shrestha and heritage expert Gyanram Shrestha guided the group through the heritage sites and offered to compile the day’s artworks and writings into a publication.
Jesum Yatra has previously taken place in Dhulikhel, Nagarkot, Budhanilkantha, Chandragiri, and Dhankuta, among other locations.
