When was the Thamel Nakha Festival celebrated?
The Thamel Nakha Festival was celebrated on September 27, 2024. This festival also coincided with the 44th World Tourism Day. According to the Nepali calendar, this vibrant carnival was celebrated on 11 Asoj, 2081.
Major attractions of the festival
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Cultural performances (traditional music, dances, etc.).
The Nakha festival in Thamel was incomplete without the cultural performances. So, cultural acts like traditional music singing, dances, and so on was also performed during the Thamel Nakha festival. Some of the traditional dances included Dhime Naach and various other folk dances.
According to the sources, various ethnic groups performed the dances, like Ghatu Naach. Lathi Naach, and Sama Chakewa. These dances was performed in their own traditional music, which had a separate importance. So, this festival was great for those who wanted to gain some cross-cultural understanding.
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Traditional Nepalese food and street stalls
The traditional food items and stalls added light to the festivals that were celebrated inside the Kathmandu valley. Similar was happening in this thamel fest 2024. A variety of traditional food items were available in the hotels and restaurants, especially during this grand festival.
Some of the popular foods included Chatamari, Bara, Choyala, Wo (व:), and so on. In addition, the street stalls were also available during this Kathmandu festival 2024. One could enjoy the food items, including samosas, momos (dumplings), pakoras (fried fritters), jalebi (fried dough soaked in syrup), barfi (sweet milk-based confection), lassi (yogurt drink), masala chai (spiced tea), and so on, on the various food stalls.
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Handicraft and art exhibitions
The festival included a variety of handicraft and art exhibitions. These artistic exhibitions showcased the rich artistic heritage of Nepal. Various local artisans presented their handmade crafts, including pottery, textiles, woodwork, and metal crafts, during the exhibitions. Some of the other items included weaving, Thangka painting, and wood carving.
With the traditional crafts, art pieces like painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, and so on were also displayed in the exhibitions. Also, there were art workshops where people could learn about the various handicraft techniques or even try their hand at creating their own pieces under the guidance of skilled artisans.
A Muay Thai Showcase was one of the major festival events happening in the Thamel of Kathmandu. This Muay Thai showcase featured skilled Muay Thai athletes in the event. The athletes demonstrated their techniques and artistry in the traditional Thai martial art.
This festival aimed to promote Muay Thai and showcase the integration of different cultures through martial arts. There were live workshops where people could learn basic Muay Thai techniques from experienced trainers. It was the unique opportunity to learn something new.
Tips for Tourists Attending the Festival in Coming Year
- Visit Kathmandu a few days before the festival celebrations to enjoy the pre-festival environment.
- Familiarize yourself with the festival's events before visiting
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities.
- Stay hydrated and consider carrying a reusable water bottle.
- Don’t miss out on traditional dishes like chatamari, bara, and choyala.
- Engage in cultural activities or workshops if available.
- Be respectful to locals and ask permissions before taking photographs of people or sacred sites.
- Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid theft.
- Familiarize yourself with local transportation options.
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
Conclusion
The Thamel Nakha festival 2024 was a great festival celebrated in the Thamel of Kathmandu. This grand cultural carnival featured seven zones showcasing traditional and contemporary performances, local art exhibitions, street food, and a Muay Thai showcase. This event was organized to promote Nepal's cultural heritage, boost tourism, and foster community engagement.
