Araniko Village draws visitors

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT

Sindhupalchowk, May 10: 'Araniko Village' consisting of 10 attractive and beautiful houses, has been built at Tayangthali of Marming in Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-5 in the district in memory of national hero Araniko.  

Houses with carvings in wood, bricks and stones have been reconstructed in 'Araniko Village'. 

According to the locals, artist Araniko had stayed at a shed of local leader Buddhimai Tamang during his visit to China. During the time of king Jaya Bhimdev Malla, Araniko went to Tibet, China, along with 80 gardeners and craftsmen. 

In his memory, they had built an integrated village at the place where Araniko had stayed during his visit, informed local leader Kumar Raut. 

A statue of Araniko and other structures like a guest house, water fountain, gate, garden, and fun park have been constructed in the village. Similarly, Araniko Guest House is decorated with costumes that reflect all the cultures of Nepal and China. 

It is said that the team led by Araniko reached Tibet via Tayangthali Bhir, Duguna, and Khani Rivers of Nepal and Khasa and Lhasa of China. He had used the trade route for transporting salt to Tibet. At that time, there were only about a dozen households in the village, but now there are more than 530 households.

The National Reconstruction Authority provided a budget of Rs. 160 million for the reconstruction of 'Araniko Village'. After the reconstruction of the village, the number of domestic tourists has increased.  Tourists are attracted by the local organic food, culture of the local Tamang community, costumes, and local heritages.