Aathpahariya homestays emerge as a cultural hub

By Our Correspondent,Hile, Feb. 24: A little away from the hustle and modern noise of the city, there is a village in Dhankuta where one can experience the indigenous culture and unique lifestyle.

The ‘Syaule Sipting Aathpahariya Community Homestay,’ operated by the Aathpahariya community, has become a confluence of culture, cuisine, and identity. 

This ethnic group, which resides only within the Dhankuta municipal area and has its own distinct language, art, culture, and identity

 Now, by staying in the homes of the Aathpahariya in Dhankuta, visitors can experience their traditional welcome rituals, cultural performances in honour of guests, and their unique lifestyle. This has become possible with the operation of the homestay by the Aathpahariya community.

The homestay was started with the objective of preserving the unique identity, traditions, and lifestyle of the Aathpahariya community while linking them with tourism. Local rice, lentil soup, vegetables, wachippa, dhule pickle, sel roti, and especially tongba and radish pickle, which are regarded as key identifiers of the Aathpahariya community, are the main attractions here.

 Dishes associated with traditional festivals such as ‘Wadangmet’ connect visiting guests with the community’s culture. Along with food, the lifestyle here has also become a matter of experience for tourists. 

Guests can directly experience skills such as making leaf plates, weaving straw mats, making household items from local materials, and observing the daily life of the community, said Hirabahadur Rai, Chairperson of the Syaule Sipting Aathpahariya Community Homestay.

Along with domestic tourists, the number of foreign visitors to the homestay is also increasing. More than one hundred guests have already arrived from countries including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, India, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.

 Another special feature of the homestay is the opportunity to pick and eat seasonal fruits ripened in the garden. Guests can pick and eat fruits such as oranges and avocados directly from the garden and can also take them home as gifts at concessional prices. According to tourism expert Anu Lama, this unique lifestyle attracts external tourists. Currently, five households are actively involved in this community initiative.