By Renuka Dhakal
Kathmandum, Mar, 27: President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s recent visit to Bangladesh to attend the celebrations marking the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and its 50th independence day has opened up an avenue for Nepal to participate in cultural exchange programmes with the country.
On the last day of President Bhandari’s visit, on Tuesday, four agreements were signed between the two countries, including to conduct cultural exchanges programmes.
Chairman of the Cultural Corporation Prem Nath Adhikari told The Rising Nepal that the visit along with the agreement had provided them with a great opportunity to promote a string of Nepali cultures on international platform.
“We are planning to discuss the details of the cultural exchange plan soon with the ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal,” he informed, adding “Strong initiation of the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yadav Prasad Koirala has helped Nepali artists get the opportunity to showcase their work and talent to foreign dignitaries during the visit.”
“We had an hour-long programme but due to a tight schedule we had to conclude our show in 30 minutes. Nonetheless, our performances were appreciated by the guests of both countries,” said Adhikari. In a special function organized on the occasion, a team of Nepali artists along with President Bidyadevi Bhandari reached Dhaka to present a cultural programme.
A total of 19 artists led by General Manager of the Cultural Corporation Ashok Pyasi Rai were part of the visiting team. They performed popular Nepali folk tunes through madal, flute and sarangi, as well as various dances to awaken the national spirit.
Nepal is home to 126 different ethnic groups and each has a unique culture that gives the country a prestigious identity in the world, he added.
At the same time, Adhikari stressed the need to preserve the national culture.
"Everyone has a role to play in preserving and promoting culture. But unfortunately, we have not prioritised that. Many cultural practices are on the verge of disappearing. So, we need to start documenting our traditions. The cultural knowledge of many ethnic groups have not been passed on to the newer generation, leading to their disappearance,” Adhikari said.
Adhikari also shared that the Cultural Corporation was planning to document the culture of the different ethnic groups of Nepal.
Furthermore, the corporation is also planning to bring in foreigners to the Rastriya Nachghar to demonstrate the various ethnic cultures as soon as they arrive at the airport. It also intends to coordinate with the Kathmandu-based hotels to get tourists to Nachghar in an attempt to show them ethnic culture, art and music.