Shram Sanskriti Park in Dharan draws crowds

By Nisha Rai,Dharan, Aug. 30: Shram Sanskriti Park, located in the Sardukhardu River area between Dharan Sub-metropolitan City-13 and 20, has, of late, become a popular destination for domestic tourists. 

Constructed through community volunteer labour, the park is drawing large crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Sanju Rai, an auto driver, observed that the park’s growing popularity has led to a significant influx of visitors in Dharan on Saturdays and public holidays.

The park features several themed areas, including Ara (saw) Park, Rock Garden, SNS Garden, BP’s Statue and SDB Rose Garden, all developed with the community effort.

These attractions draw many domestic tourists, especially since the community engages in volunteer labour every Saturday, further boosting the park’s popularity.

Previously known as Osho Park and BP Park, this area has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. 

According to local entrepreneur Radha Tamang, while the Sardukhardu River used to attract visitors mainly during the summer for swimming, the addition of Shram Sanskriti Park has turned the area into a year-round attraction.

Tamang said, “Ten years ago, I used to sell chatpatey and snacks from a bamboo basket. Now, with the Dharan Sub-Metropolitan city providing rental stalls, the business has become more organised, and sales have increased.”

Visitors such as Saru Rai and her friends from Dhankuta came to the park after seeing it on social media and learning about its community-built features. Rai mentioned that she was drawn to the park because of the local community’s involvement in its creation.

Similarly, Srijana Rai mentioned that she travelled from Barahakshetra Municipality with her family to visit the park, which was constructed through volunteer labour.

The mere riverside can be a major tourist destination if we embellish it with the combined effort of the locals, she said, urging other local representatives to learn from this initiative.

The park attracts visitors from Dhankuta, Itahari, and Barahakshetra, as well as from other parts of Nepal and neighbouring India. 

The ticket counter staff reported that the park sees hundreds of visitors daily, with numbers rising to 3,000 to 5,000 during holidays.