Bandipur, the picturesque tourist town nestled in the hills of Tanahun, came alive with vibrant cultural expression as foreign tourists enthusiastically joined in the traditional Kaura dance during the ongoing 13th Cultural and Street Food Festival. The lively performance, rooted in the traditions of the Magar community, captivated both international visitors and locals alike, offering a dynamic showcase of Nepal’s cultural heritage.
The festival, a major highlight of the Visit Bandipur Year 2025, has become a melting pot of ethnic traditions. As part of the celebration, young men and women from the Magar community performed the famous Kaura dance, with foreign guests eagerly participating. According to Baish Bahadur Gurung, coordinator of the Visit Bandipur Year Secretariat, tourists were visibly enthralled by Nepal’s unique customs, arts, and rituals.
“This festival promotes the diverse cultures of different ethnic groups such as the Magar, Gurung, and Newar communities. We aim to highlight their music, dances, and food,” said Gurung, adding that various events will be held throughout the year to celebrate Bandipur’s rich cultural mosaic.
Rajju Baniya, the festival’s publicity coordinator, emphasized that the Street Food Festival also features local delicacies prepared by indigenous communities. The cultural programs incorporate performances from several ethnic groups including Brahmins, Gurungs, Newars, and Magars, ensuring that the essence of Nepal’s multi-ethnic identity is well represented.
Bandipur has long attracted both domestic and foreign tourists, with Chinese visitors making up a significant portion of international arrivals. Most travelers spend at least one night in the town, drawn by its well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage. According to Kisan Pradhan, Chairperson of the Bandipur Tourism Development Committee, the town’s cultural richness plays a major role in enchanting tourists. “They don’t just see the culture; they experience it. We make efforts to educate foreign visitors about our traditions all year round,” he stated.
Adding to the cultural festivities, Bandipur also hosted a vibrant Bisket Jatra procession, a Newar festival traditionally celebrated during the Nepali New Year. Inspired by the Bhaktapur style of celebration, the event was organized to preserve and promote Newar heritage. Kisan Pradhan, President of Bandipur Neva: Puchaa, shared that such festivities have been held for over 250 years in Bandipur. “Our ancestors brought not only themselves from Bhaktapur but also their festivals and cultural practices. We continue to honor those traditions,” he said.
Historically, Bandipur was settled by the Magar community, and its name reflects Magar linguistic roots Ban meaning forest and Di meaning water. Over time, with the influx of Newar settlers particularly during the era of Prithvi Narayan Shah’s conquest of Kathmandu the demographic gradually shifted. The Newar community, especially families with surnames such as Pradhan, Piya, Shrestha, Malla, and Joshi, migrated to Bandipur and established it as a key trading hub.
Today, Bandipur boasts over 134 Newar households, and the town’s architecture reflects the classic Bhaktapur style. The Newar community continues to celebrate traditional festivals like Bisket Jatra, Lakhe Naach, Gaijatra, Bagh Jatra, and Ropain Jatra, preserving a cultural lineage that connects the hills of Tanahun to the Kathmandu Valley. As Bandipur continues to thrive as a cultural tourism destination, such festivals not only entertain but also deepen the connection between visitors and the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal.
