madhyapur-Festival-2021

Madhyapur Thimi in Brief

Situated at the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, Madhyapur Thimi Municipality serves as the gateway to popular tourist destinations such as Bhaktapur, Changunarayan, Dhulikhel, and Jiri. Enriched with historical and cultural heritage, it houses ancient settlements like Thimi and Bode from the Licchavi era, as well as historic localities like Nagadesh, Tigani, Nikosera, and Lohkithali. The municipality’s art, culture, traditional crafts, natural beauty, archaeological treasures, and unique lifestyle have steadily increased its tourist appeal. With nearly 750 tangible heritage sites and over 100 intangible ones, the municipality is renowned for festivals such as Mye Pwa Khonigu Jatra, Biska Jatra of 32 khats, Lokeshwor Jatra, Dyah Pyakhan Jatra, and Pulukisi Jatra. Additionally, traditional industries and products such as Tikin Baji (beaten rice), fresh vegetables, pottery, and masks have made the municipality widely recognized. Despite being close to the rapidly modernizing capital city, Madhyapur Thimi has preserved its traditional way of life to this day. Collectively, its traditional art, culture, professions, scenic nature, and archaeological monuments make Madhyapur Thimi a beautiful, unique, and vibrant destination.

Madhyapur Festival 2081

Despite its immense potential, Madhyapur has not yet been established as a prominent tourist destination due to a lack of sufficient promotion. The first Madhyapur Festival, held in 1998, along with subsequent events such as Wa Mahotsav and Dhimay Baja competitions, has shown a significant impact in attracting both domestic and international tourists. To further this effort, the Madhyapur Festival 2081 is being organized with the aim of fostering tourism as a partner in local development. By linking heritage to employment and income, it aims to enhance the local economy. The festival will focus on the following strategic dimensions to create a lively and sustainable tourism-oriented event, leaving an indelible impression on visitors and organizers alike:

  1. Participation and Ownership: Emphasis on community involvement and a sense of ownership.
  2. Coordination and Partnership: Collaboration with stakeholders to move forward.
  3. Service and Cleanliness: Focusing on not just service but clean and organized delivery.
  4. Attractive and Necessary: Catering to the attractions and requirements of both visitors and organizers.
  5. Tourism and Promotion: Comprehensive promotion for tourism.

Objectives of the Festival

The primary objective of the festival is to develop Madhyapur as a new tourist destination and contribute to the long-term economic prosperity of the municipality and its residents. Specific objectives include:

  • Showcasing Local Art and Culture: Displaying the municipality’s unique art, culture, and heritage.
  • Promoting Traditional Crafts and Cuisine: Highlighting local professions, cuisines, and products.
  • Establishing Madhyapur as a Tourist Destination: Creating recognition as a must-visit location.

When is the Festival?

  • Date: 2081 Poush 12, 13, and 14 (December 27, 28, and 29, 2024)
  • Time: 8 AM to 9 PM

Festival Venue

The festival will showcase historic settlements from Shankhadhar Chowk in Thimi to Nagadesh, Bode, and Tigani’s Nil Barahi temple area, covering approximately 5.5 kilometers.

What Can Be Seen at the Festival?

The festival is designed to offer visitors of all age groups—elders, adults, youth, and children—an authentic experience of local art, culture, crafts, nature, heritage, and lifestyle. Highlights include:

Key Archaeological Monuments

  • Temples and Complexes: Kwathlaku Ajima (Balkumari), Lokeshwor, Thimi Layaku, Siva Complex, Digoo Complex, Inayaku (Siddhikali), and many more.

Cultural Exhibitions

  • Performances such as Mahakali Dance, Ashta Matrika Dance, Thimi Lakhe, Nagacha Pyakhan, Indra Apsara, and the iconic Pulukisi.

Traditional Games

  • Games like Lailai (Ghway Kasa or Pay Kasa), Yakandhala, Gadi Bywakegu, and more.

Traditional Crafts

  • Pottery, mask-making, oil pressing, brewing alcohol, and local cuisine preparation.

Local Lifestyle

  • Activities such as Bhajan-Kirtan, prayers, and processions with Dhimay Baja (traditional drum).

Newari Cuisine

  • Specialty dishes like Samay Baji, Wo, Chatamari, Yomari, Kachila, Chaku Vasa, and Thon (rice beer).

Newa Bhwoy

  • Festive feasts such as Chaurasi Byanjan Bhwoy (84-dish feast).

Cultural and Commercial Exhibitions

  • Displays of artifacts related to Newar culture, traditional attire, tools, and musical instruments.
  • Local products like Tikin Baji, pottery, ceramic goods, fresh vegetables, masks, mustard oil, and more.

Musical Performances

  • Vibrant performances by local and national artists.

Madhyapur Festival 2081 is a vibrant celebration that aims to create lasting impressions and elevate Madhyapur Thimi as a cultural and tourist hub.