Kathmandu, August 21
Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya has said that after this year, Indra Jatra will help promote Nepal across the globe.
Speaking at a meeting of the Indra Jatra Management Committee, Shakya said that he would help in making the festival known internationally.
“We have planned to make sure the world knows about this festival. We will be celebrating it in that manner,” he said. Shakya added that unlike last year, the festival would be celebrated with more vigour and enthusiasm this year.
“The KMC will do all that is necessary to ensure what we have planned here will be a grand success,” added Shakya.
He went on to say that the KMC had invited mayors of various sister cities from across the world to observe the age-old festival.
“Five mayors and 48 officials from various cities have already given their commitment that they will be a part of the festival. tooThe KMC wants to do it best for Visit Nepal Year 2020 and we’ve invited them to come see and experience Nepal,” added Shakya.
The KMC has already made arrangement to inform guests from China, Japan and the USA about the tangible and intangible heritage associated with the festival.
“The guests will be taken to Hanuman Dhokha Palace, Swyambhunath, Chandragiri, Patan and Bhaktapur durbar squares. A dinner is being organised at Nasal Chok in Basantapur where the guests will learn about Nepal and its culture,” he added.
The KMC said that it would also inform the guests about the Mahakali, Lakhey and Pulukisi dances and take them to see the Kumari. Shakya added that the guests would also be informed how the festival had been going and how guthis had been an important part of it.
Shakya also added that the KMC along with the central government would provide funds for the festival. “No stone will be left unturned to make sure this festival is a success. Not just this festival, all festivals will be celebrated with the same enthusiasm.”
