Vehicle-free Saturdays, connecting people with heritage in Ason

Kathmandu, Apr. 19: The usually crowded and chaotic lanes of Ason wore a different look on Saturday as the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) rolled out its ‘vehicle-free Saturday’ campaign, transforming one of the Valley’s busiest marketplaces into a vibrant pedestrian zone.

Under clear blue skies, 57-year-old Saraswoti Shahi stood cheerfully behind her food stall, serving traditional Newari delicacies to 

passersby. A long-time resident of Ason, Shahi had been out of work since footpath shops were removed from the area. On Saturday, however, she found renewed hope.

“I had been staying at home with no source of income,” she said. “Now, every Saturday gives me a chance to earn again. This initiative has brought new energy into my life.”

Shahi invested around Rs. 35,000 to prepare food and expects to earn approximately Rs. 50,000 in sales. For her and many others, the weekly market is more than just a commercial opportunity; it is a chance to reconnect with the community. “People are dressed in traditional attire and are promoting their culture,” she said.

Launched with the theme ‘Living and Prosperous Ason,’ the campaign will be held every Saturday in key sections stretching from Kamalachhi Chowk, Bhotahiti Chowk and Mahabouddha to Ason. 

On Saturdays, vehicles are barred from entering these areas, allowing pedestrians to reclaim the streets. Similarly, entry toward Ason will also be restricted from Indra Chowk.

Vehicle owners travelling through this area will need to use alternative routes. 

They are requested to park their vehicles at designated locations such as the Dharahara underground parking, Jamal Bahal, Durbar High School, or other assigned areas, and proceed on foot to enter Ason.

Meanwhile, the impact became immediately visible on Saturday. Freed from the usual traffic congestion and constant honking, visitors strolled through the marketplace, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Traditional music echoed through the alleys, while the aroma of authentic cuisine filled the air. Cultural performances, face painting, games and calligraphy stalls added to the festive mood. Shahi stated that such initiatives help strengthen social bonds. “People are usually busy with their daily routines. But this market brings everyone together. Families, neighbours, and even visitors are engaging with each other while also preserving our culture,” she said, adding that her entire family had joined hands to run the stall.

According to KMC, the initiative is being led by Ward No. 27 Office in collaboration with Annapurna RCT Club, local clubs, guthis and community organisations. The campaign aims to promote local entrepreneurship, provide safer public spaces for children and the elderly, and enhance the authenticity of the historic Ason market.

Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol said the programme seeks to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and traffic congestion in Kathmandu’s core areas. “Over time, it has become increasingly difficult to preserve traditional practices in their original form,” she said. “Ason was historically a place where everything -- from daily essentials to birth to death ritual items--was available. The decline of such practices has affected not only goods and services but also the identity of Kathmandu.”

Dangol added that the campaign was designed to reconnect people with the city’s rich heritage while making urban spaces more liveable and environmentally friendly. She said, “The area is rich in both tangible and intangible heritage. There are many bahas, bahis and chowks that reflect the design of traditional Newa settlements. Such initiatives give people an opportunity to directly connect with this heritage,” she said.

Visitors also welcomed the move. Najuma Giri, a resident of Dallu, said the experience was refreshing. “There is no honking and no rush. Saturdays are off days, and this gives people a place to relax, walk around and enjoy good food,” she said. “Ason is usually crowded with both vehicles and people, but today it feels open and enjoyable.” With its blend of culture, commerce and community engagement, the vehicle-free Saturday initiative is not only reviving the charm of Ason but also offering a glimpse into a more sustainable and people-friendly urban future for Kathmandu.