In the stillness of night, when the world was quiet and only the air was awake with me, a thought took root in my mind. ‘Bimbaakas’ – a word born from the fusion of two words, ‘bimba’ and ‘baakas’ flashed into my consciousness like a quiet revelation. I definitely had plans earlier to create something for the people but at that moment I exactly knew what I wanted to create: a space where we as a being can pour our hearts out without the fear of judgements.
In a society where emotional resilience is often mistaken for silence and suppression, and vulnerability is mistaken with weakness, I felt the need for platform that doesn’t only encourage openness but celebrates it. In this era where mental health is a burning topic everywhere from the tea shop to barber shop, how often do we truly comfort the reality of emotional suppression? Too often, the feelings we hold is buried inside our heart, leaving us an impact which is unlikely to forget. And while professional therapy exists, it often comes with a cost not everyone can afford.
That’s where bimbaakas comes in. Personally, I have been engaged in writing poems for four years. It did not meet the criteria that literature holds neither did it meet the standards, the only purpose I had was to rest the heaviness my heart had like we rest our head in pillows after a long day.
The longingness to hold my mother before she took a rest has opened a deep wound and the grief is never ending and in that journey of grieving and healing, I found an easy way to cope up with my feelings.
The metaphors felt like a home and the death felt less painful and almost unreal because the words captivated my mother’s soul like no other thing. Poetry became an odd way to revitalise myself when I felt like the world was ending. Well, each and every verse I wrote were caged into a diary, that only I had the keys to.
Not accessed to anyone, they were piled up one diary after another then I found out a community where art, poetry, honest conversation and philosophy thrived. The best part was that everyone had their own story and the vulnerabilities that we often hide were hugged with love.
That community shaped my understanding of what it means to be seen and heard. And most importantly, the times I have shared my poems there, I have felt more humane. Likewise, I wanted to extend the warmth that I have felt to those who might be yearning for it.
Bimbaakas was born from that very feeling, and not just mid-night self-conversation. Held on May 17 at Maybe Mars Studio Café, Swoyambhu, bimbaakas was more than just an event- it was a beginning. A beginning of acceptance in the society, a beginning of free voices and a beginning of healing through candour. This evening was something more than beautiful, maybe a word to explain this feeling has not been invented yet. A feeling where human can only feel and not explain is what can explain the magic bimbaakas held.
The gathering was intimate yet impactful, welcoming around hundred participants from diverse backgrounds, each of them holding their own story and sitting together enjoying the stage. Our goal was simple- to create a safe and non-judgmental space where the echoes of voices reflect love and support.
The evening featured poetry and original music sessions by ten talented artists followed by open mic sessions from audience and moments of silent reflections. All of us with the energy of encouragement to speak our heart out, poured the magic we had within ourselves. We felt seen and heard, that we are not alone in this world and the society is with us. The evening was full of tears, laughter, joy, friendships, long silences and warm applause. No performance pressure, just presence and acceptance.
One of the most powerful aspects that bimbaakas had that it didn’t know was the openness and courage shown by attendees. People who had never shared their emotional struggles before expressed themselves. They were listened to and applauded. Some came there just to listen and left with a sense of community that they didn’t know they needed.
Bimbaakas felt really personal and it didn’t come an easy way. It bore challenges- the fear of criticisms, many what ifs- what if there’s no good response, what if people don’t show up, what if I don’t get performers and the financial challenges to organize an event but the response proved otherwise.
My nearest friends, colleagues and family appreciated the initiative I took and supported me whole heartedly. A big shout out to Sip and Ship- a liquor online start-up and Saa: Phu- NGO run by youth for showing trust and supporting bimbaakas.
Their support watered bimbaakas and turned it into a beautiful garden where the flowers bloomed and the bee hummed creativity that was raw and real. The bonds we established there reminded us that there’s a space in the earth where the strength lies in our sincerity and resilience.
Looking back, bimbaakas wasn’t just a project of a 20-year old girl but a necessity. A call for human connection. A gentle reminder that we’re not alone. And that expressing ourselves should not be a luxury but our right.
Bimbaakas was just a beginning and with the overwhelming response and support, I plan to make this a recurring initiative. A sweater I was knitting since so long finally came into a shape and I plan to open a market of sweaters knitted with love and patience. I envision a community where there’s a space for reflection and expression, where your voice is heard and your emotional well-being is treated with the dignity it deserves.
To anyone reading this, your story matters. Your thoughts and feelings are valid and precious. And there’s always a space for your voice at Bimbaakas: adinaKo.
