Kathmandu .The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has commenced the “Dharmapath Mahotsav” today at Dharmapath in Ward No. 23, aiming to promote and preserve the city’s rich intangible cultural heritage. Organized under the leadership of Ward Chairman Macharaja Maharjan, the festival is part of a broader initiative to safeguard traditional practices, revive local skills, and promote community identity through cultural expression.
According to Chairman Maharjan, the festival showcases various aspects of intangible heritage including traditional rites, folk music, dances, and the art of playing traditional instruments. These elements have been nurtured through regular cultural training programs run by the ward, where locals — particularly the younger generation — have received instruction in singing, dancing, and playing native instruments. The training is part of efforts to preserve the cultural practices sustained through the Guthi system, a centuries-old socio-religious institution that plays a key role in the Kathmandu Valley’s heritage.
In addition to cultural performances, the festival also features a health camp, local food stalls, and an exhibition of traditional handicrafts. These elements not only enrich the cultural ambiance but also support the economic empowerment of local artisans and entrepreneurs by offering a platform for the promotion and sale of locally-produced goods.
The Dharmapath Mahotsav is expected to draw residents and visitors alike, creating awareness about the importance of preserving Nepal’s intangible heritage while fostering a sense of pride and continuity within the community. The initiative aligns with the country’s commitments under UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, to which Nepal became a party in 2010.
The event also reflects a growing trend across the Kathmandu Valley, where other wards and municipalities are organizing similar festivals. Recently, Ward No. 15 hosted the Swayambhu Festival, and a large-scale Nepal Art & Culture Festival is scheduled to be held in September. Such initiatives are being hailed as a cultural renaissance in the Valley, where community-led efforts are helping to document, celebrate, and revive heritage practices that are at risk of fading amid urbanization and modernization.
The Dharmapath Mahotsav will run throughout the day, featuring vibrant performances and exhibitions that not only entertain but also educate and engage the public in Kathmandu’s living heritag
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