Make Tudikhel Visitor-friendly

Parmeshwar Devkota   

The indigenous men look bold and smart in their traditional attires. Similarly, women appear unique and beautiful with their traditional ornaments and outfits. It is the common characteristic of the indigenous people that when they gather at a public place, they start singing sweet songs and shaking a leg, showing their power and charm. In 'Hamlet', William Shakespeare expresses the beauty and serenity of mankind, "What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! How infinite in beauty! In form, in moving, how express and admirable! In action how like an angel! In apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world! The paragon of animals!’’ 

As Shakespeare says, man, the beautiful creature of the mother earth, should not face any hindrance while celebrating their festivals.  Generally, Maghe Sankranti is considered the festival of many ethnic communities in Nepal, but it is the specially the festival of Tharu and Magar communities. Demographically, Tharu community lives in the southern plains, whereas Magar community resides in the mid-hill, but those places lack livelihood opportunities. So, the urban area, especially, Kathmandu Valley, has become the centres of attraction for the young and old of all communities for both survival and progress. 

To observe the Maghi, Tharus and Magars in their traditional customs and attires assembled at the Tundikhel with great enthusiasms on 15 January 2024. But, sadly, they suffered a stampede. Over a dozen people were hurt and fortunately no on sustained serious injuries. Tundikhel is a big area. The past administrations deserve kudos for keeping such a large area of land in the middle of the city for public use. But, now it is mismanage. It must be developed and maintained with the present day needs. 

It is not good to erect tall and pointed iron pillars around the Tudikhel area with limited number of entrances and exits. It is not a private a property, but the fences around it show, as if, it were an individual property. So, the fence should be reduced to a waist-high as in the past and there should be many entrance and exit gates so that the elderly citizens can benefit from the winter sun and the children can play the games of their choice there. And, the people can celebrate their respective festivals without fear. 

Despite haphazard planning, narrow roads and poor services delivery, the Kathmandu Valley is evolving into a mega-city. If the tunnels to Trishuli in Nuwakot and Naubise in Dhanding will come into use and the road widening work in Dhulikhel will be completed, the Kathmandu Valley have to absorb more people. So, the public places should be people-friendly and appropriate for recreational activities. 

It is the matter of pride that the Bagmati Province government has announced to construct one open space for public demonstrations in each of the thirteen districts of the Province. All those open places should have wide exit gates, green field and basic amenities.