Tourism Info Nepal

Internal Tourism Surge at Bhaktapur Festival 2081

Internal Tourism Surge at Bhaktapur Festival 2081

Bhaktapur Municipality has witnessed a significant influx of domestic tourists during the five-day Bhaktapur Festival 2081, organized by the municipality. The festival, which began on Mangsir 28, has attracted approximately 100,000 internal tourists daily, with the number rising to around 200,000 on Saturdays and Sundays, according to the festival organizing committee.

The festival, which takes place at various entrances to the historical city of Bhaktapur, has captivated visitors with its rich cultural displays, offering a unique experience for both internal and external tourists. Bhaktapur’s mayor, Sunil Prajapati, stated that the festival aims to showcase the city’s vibrant festivals, traditions, and rituals to both domestic and international visitors, ultimately putting Bhaktapur on the global map.

As part of the festival, Bhaktapur Municipality has organized boat rides at Kamalbinayak’s Yatubare Pukhus and Bhajya Pukhus, as well as water cycling experiences at various ponds, allowing visitors to enjoy both the natural beauty and traditional boat rides. The festival also features a book exhibition at Kamalbinayak’s Lamgal Chowk, showcasing works from 17 different publishing houses.

A range of cultural and historical exhibitions have been arranged, including photo displays of Bhaktapur’s heritage at the Student Niketan school and a fine arts exhibition by 50 artists at the old Janajyoti Library. Notably, sculptor Bikash Prajapati’s solo exhibition has drawn considerable attention.

At Khwap College in Dekocha, the festival has incorporated an educational fair featuring various schools and cultural performances. The Bhaktapur area also hosts a children’s-friendly fair with cultural programs at Bhelukhel. Local Newar culture, with traditional performances and displays, has intrigued visitors across the various neighborhoods.

Bhajan groups have performed in several locations around Bhaktapur, offering spiritual music that highlights the city’s ancient culture. In Suryamadhi, traditional pottery-making demonstrations have showcased 80-year-old Lho Chak and 100-year-old Sin Chak, as well as pottery from various local artisans using traditional tools.

The festival also includes exhibitions at places like Wakupati Narayan and Dattatray, displaying food imagery, traditional musical instruments, and Newar pottery. Bhaktapur’s rich cultural and traditional processions, including the famous 55-foot-long Linggo procession and various other local festivals, have also been featured during the event.

The festival’s major attractions include cultural programs, flute competitions, bhajan performances, traditional music, dance exhibitions, Paubha art displays, traditional sports, Newar lifestyle exhibits, pottery exhibitions, food festivals, and a variety of entertainment activities.

The festival also offered stalls for traditional Newar cuisine, including dishes such as Nye Da Punhi, Pedapuni, Ihi, and Yo Mari, giving visitors a chance to savor the local flavors.

Bhaktapur’s mayor, Sunil Prajapati, emphasized that the festival successfully highlighted Bhaktapur’s art, culture, heritage, and traditional lifestyles, helping to position the city as a prominent tourist destination. The event contributed to the economic development of the municipality and its residents by boosting tourism and local economic activity.

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