Illuminate The Valley With "Kirtipur By Nights."

In the modern world, countries form alliances and tie-ups mostly out of the need to engage in trade and commerce and promote economic growth. As a result, economic diplomacy now encompasses countries showcasing their commercial products, cultural events, natural diversity, and unique tourism sites and services to the world. The tourism sector has emerged as a major global economic industry, reaching a value of 11.1 trillion US dollars in 2022 (The Brainy Insight report). This prosperity extends to other sectors within countries as well. Consequently, nations are constructing new man-made structures, theme parks, and recreational parks, and revitalising their age-old traditions, cultures, and heritage to attract more tourists to their destinations. They achieve this by organising various art, music, food, cultural, and adventurous events, either in other countries or within their source markets, to entice locals to visit their country.

When analysing the arrivals and departures of tourists in Nepal via air travel, the inbound and outbound foreign tourist figures are nearly equal in number. In 2019, 1.2 million foreigners visited Nepal, and a similar number of Nepalese tourists travelled abroad. Nepalese tourists are a significant source market for India, ranking 7th in terms of inbound tourist arrivals in 2022 and 3rd in medical tourism to the Indian market (tourism.gov.id). 

Well-known hospitals in Delhi and the NCR have established offices in Kathmandu to facilitate patients from Nepal. Similarly, Indian cultural tours to cities like Chardham Badri, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, Varanasi, and South India are popular in Nepal, attracting many Nepalese visitors who come to India for pilgrimage and to visit famous religious sites. To maintain its presence in the source market, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu consistently organises attractive cultural programmes, such as folk music and food festivals.

Likewise, the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu also organises Chinese cultural shows in Kathmandu. Recently, they organised a new adventure event, the Dragon Boat Competition, in Pokhara.

During the last week of June 2023, India and China organised two significant programmes in Nepal to promote their art, culture, and traditions. On June 21, 2023, the "International Day of Yoga" was celebrated in Pokhara by the Indian Embassy in Nepal, and on Friday, June 23, the "Dragon Boat Festival" was held at Fewa Lake in Pokhara by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. These two events in Pokhara garnered significant media attention, showcasing Pokhara as an adventure destination and highlighting the newly built Pokhara International Airport to the international market. This publicity will undoubtedly benefit the Nepalese travel trade. Additionally, these events provided an opportunity for Nepal, India, and China to promote their ancient cultures and traditions to the world through programmes organised in a neighbouring country like Nepal. It's a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Coincidentally, on the same evening of June 23, Friday, Nepal auspiciously launched the "Kirtipur by Night" event in the Kathmandu Valley. The event was organised by the Kirtipur Municipality to promote Kirtipur's heritage sites for a nighttime walk, showcasing its major tangible and intangible heritage sites, along with the local people's evening rituals, pujas, and bhajans, to tourists. The event also offers authentic ethnic food and cultural shows to visitors.

Kathmandu Valley and Kirtipur settlement:

The Kathmandu Valley boasts a unique geographical location, nestled amidst hills at altitudes ranging from 1,284 to 1,524 metres. With its ancient monuments in the Durbar Square areas, breathtaking natural vistas, and the daily rituals of local people, the valley has always captivated visitors of all ages. It offers a harmonious blend of spirituality with morning chants and pujas in mandirs and stupas, creating a serene atmosphere. The landscape attracts adventure enthusiasts with activities like hiking, mountain biking, and day tours to the valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the evening, visitors can rejuvenate themselves with local cuisine, drinks, and vibrant pubs. However, for those seeking tranquilly and a sense of peace, Kirtipur City is an ideal destination to explore.

Among the five cities in the Kathmandu Valley, Kirtipur, known as the "City on the Hills," is situated on the southern hills. Located five kilometres southwest of downtown Kathmandu, it offers elevated views of the valley and the majestic Himalayan range, including the renowned Mt. Everest. Kirtipur is replete with ancient cultural heritage sites, such as the Bagh Bhairav, Uma Maheswor, and Adinatha temples; the Chilinchow Stupa, and natural wonders like Taudaha Lake, known for its migratory birds during winter, and Manjushree Park, featuring a 33-foot-tall statue of Manjushree. Additionally, attractions like Chovar Gorge, Jal Vinayak Temple, and Champadevi Hills enhance the city's appeal, offering a complete experience of nature, culture, history, and adventure.

Kirtipur holds a legendary history of defence during the 18th century, when Nepal was undergoing unification under the leadership of King Prithvi Narayan Shah of the Gorkha Kingdom. As a unique settlement of the Newar ethnic group on a hillock, Kirtipur's interlocking houses formed a formidable defence system. The residents successfully repelled the invading Gorkha army twice, resulting in heavy losses, including the commander-in-chief, Kalu Pandey. The captured historic weapons proudly adorn the roof of the Bagh Bhairav temple, serving as trophies of victory and a testament to the city's rich heritage.

The majority of Kirtipur's population belongs to the Newar community, known for its vibrant culture, traditional cuisine, and rituals. Throughout the year, the community organises Jatras (festivals), food and drink festivals, and cultural events in the city's ten different wards, showcasing their vibrant traditions and supporting local community members.

Apart from its cultural offerings, its diverse landscapes and varying altitudes provide opportunities for nature-based activities like hiking, mountain biking, and trekking. Exploring places like the Manjushree Cave and Chovar Gorge along the Bagmati River, and venturing towards Dhakshinkali, Marku Indrasarover, and the Chandragiri area of neighbouring places adds to the allure of Kirtipur as a destination.

The concept of highlighting the ancient city of Kirtipur through a heritage walk at night brings together local stakeholders, supporting local restaurants, handicraft producers, hotels, and street vendors offering authentic Newari street food such as samayabaji, chatamari, yomari, and bara—all prepared according to generational recipes. Exotic Newari drinks like Aila and Chhang are also served, creating a lively atmosphere.

The municipality and the Nepal Tourism Board have collaborated, mobilising teams to coordinate with different stakeholders in promoting the " Kirtipur Tourism by Night" experience. They have installed proper pole lights and QR code systems on signage at major heritage sites, monuments, and routes. Musical recitals and homage to deities by senior citizens take place in Deyphukhu Square, accompanied by tea and snacks, while Lakhay dance performances are organised in the city's major chowks, adding a new dimension to the evening. The municipal police ensure proper security on the streets, and transportation providers are coordinated to offer pickups and drop-offs from Kathmandu. Travel trade and media presence are also managed to include the event in their itineraries and generate more publicity through media coverage.

The cultural heritage walk commences at the Kirtipur gate. As visitors enter the city, they take a right turn from Panga Dobato towards Tunjhol, an uphill area where the Akash Bhairab temple can be admired. 

Further along, the route leads to Chilancho, Bihar, through the Singhdwa area. Chilancho Bihar's main stupa was constructed by Charumati, the daughter of the devoted Buddhist King Ashoka, during her visit to the Kathmandu Valley. Visitors can explore numerous small stupas and observe local people engaging in their evening prayers and rituals. Chilancho Bihar, also known as Jagatapal Mahabihar, reveals the depth of its Buddhist heritage. Continuing deeper into the local settlement, the route passes through Lhodega, the Deyukhu small pond, and finally reaches Bagh Bhairab Temple, a significant landmark of Kritipur. 

The heritage walk culminates at the hilltop of Umamaheshwor Temple, offering a panoramic view of the twinkling lights of the Kathmandu valley at night. Nearby restaurants like Lahana, a community-run establishment, and SaSa restaurant provide an ideal setting for visitors to enjoy dinner and reflect on their memorable journeys.

This new initiative aims to provide an extraordinary experience for tourists during their nighttime stay in the Kathmandu Valley. Traditionally, Nepalese travel and trade offer one farewell Nepalese dinner to all departing guests one night before their departure. By adding the "Kritipur by Night" event to travel itineraries, visitors will have a novel destination experience. This will undoubtedly benefit the Nepalese travel and trade industries and enhance the local economy while providing an extravagant experience for our valued customers. The success of this event may inspire other heritage sites in the valley to illuminate their nights, offering a multitude of twinkling stars to mesmerise visitors.

(The author is a Senior Director at the Nepal Tourism Board.)