The Dhankuta Municipality has officially announced the celebration of the Wadangmet and Kopche Heritage Revival Campaign 2082, a five-day cultural and environmental festival to be held from Kartik 19 to Kartik 24, 2082. The event, which symbolizes it’s pride, culture, and climate-resilient future, will be organized jointly by the Dhankuta Municipality, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), ICIMOD, and the various community-based organizations.
Flagship Festival for Dhankuta’s Identity and Sustainability
The festival was declared a “Flagship Festival” during the Municipal Assembly meeting held on Ashadh 10, 2082, following a joint decision by the Aathpahariya community residing in Dhankuta and various partner institutions, including Australian Aid, ICIMOD, Smart Paani, CHN, HUSADEC, Digo Bikas Institute, Aathpahariya Samaj, Kopche Heritage Revival Campaign, and Orange City Campaign. The municipality also announced two days of the public holiday during the festival period to allow the local community to fully participate in the celebrations.
Reviving Culture and Heritage
At the heart of the event lies the revival of the Wadangmet (Aathpahariya) and Kopche (Newar) cultural traditions, representing Dhankuta’s rich and diverse heritage. The festival aims to revitalize the local art, music, rituals, and craftsmanship while strengthening the inter-community cooperation. Officials said that this initiative seeks to promote the cultural identity through community leadership and participation, ensuring that the traditional knowledge and intangible heritage of Dhankuta are preserved for the future generations.
Smart Water and Climate Resilience Initiatives
Addressing the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity, the festival will highlight the theme of “Too Little Water”, a pressing issue in the recent years. Through collaboration with the Smart Paani, water harvesting and reuse systems will be implemented in homestays, schools, and the public areas across the municipality. This initiative aims to improve access to clean drinking water and the promote climate-resilient living practices within the community.
Responsible and Inclusive Tourism
The festival will also emphasize responsible and inclusive tourism by promoting homestays run by women and an Indigenous groups, alongside locally sourced food systems, handicrafts, and nature-based experiences. These initiatives reflect Dhankuta’s commitment to making tourism not just economically viable but the socially inclusive and the environmentally responsible.
Partnership for Inclusive Development
Under the HI-GRID Project, Dhankuta has incorporated Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles into its tourism planning. The project unites local governments, civil society organizations, and international partners to foster the shared accountability in sustainable development.
Municipal officials noted that this collaborative approach ensures that Dhankuta’s tourism growth benefits all sections of the society, particularly marginalized and underrepresented communities, while aligning with national and global sustainability goals.
Dhankuta’s Global Recognition and Vision Ahead
Dhankuta’s growing reputation as a model for sustainable tourism and cultural preservation has earned it mentions in TIME and The Guardian magazines. This international recognition, officials say, has strengthened the municipality’s resolve to advance its vision of responsible tourism, climate adaptation, and cultural revival through collaboration with innovators, journalists, and tourism professionals.
“Dhankuta is not just a destination; it’s a living narrative of community-led transformation,” said a municipal representative. “Tourism here is not only about recreation but about harmony between climate, culture, and community.”
Invitation for Participation and Collaboration
The municipality has extended a warm invitation to all residents, organizations, and stakeholders to actively participate in the festival and contribute to its success. Officials have requested journalists and tourism professionals to help share Dhankuta’s story as a symbol of sustainable progress and cultural pride.
The five-day Wadangmet and Kopche Heritage Revival Festival 2082 is expected to draw wide participation from local communities, cultural groups, and environmental advocates, serving as a milestone in Dhankuta’s journey toward sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
