ASARE ROPAIN IN POKHARA

Asare Ropain is a paddy plantation that is observed with lots of fanfare in Pokhara. Photo: jukson.com

 By KESHAV PATHAK

"Hario Danda Mathi Halo Jotne Sathi" this melodious song conjures up a sweet memory of Dharma Raj Thapa, a legendary poet of Pokhara. His scintillating Asare songs have not only immortalized him but also included Asare ropain (Paddy plantation) in the menu of Pokhara tourism. Today Asare Roapin Mahotsava is celebrated with much agog and excitement and participants are not only Nepalese but also foreigners who enjoy wallowing in the mud and taking part in various events for fun. 

Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) has been regularly organizing Asare Ropain Mahotsava over the last decade. PTC has been preparing to celebrate '12th Asare Mahotsava-2015' on 15th Asar.  Asar 15 is an important day for Nepali farmers as they swing into action in their respective fields. The PTC is going to celebrate this year's Asare Ropain Mahotsava with the slogan 'Pokhara for all seasons'.  

Speaking with journalists Som Thapa president of Pokhara Tourism Council said that the Asare Ropain Mahotsava is organized with the sole purpose of promoting agriculture. "Devastating earthquake of 25 April and aftershocks have derailed Nepali tourism. To bring the tourism sector back on normal track every sector of the country should make efforts from their respective places. This year's Asare Ropain Mahotsav is going to be unique because we will put every possible effort to include more foreigners than ever before. By organizing Asare Ropain Mahotsava we want to give a message to the world that Nepal is a safe destination to visit" emphasized Mr.Thapa.    

Nepal has been passing through a critical phase of time. The government should act promptly and advertise abroad giving the message to the world that Nepal is a safe country to travel to.  The PTC has made an appeal to all Pokhareli people to participate in the 12th Asare Ropain Mahotsava. 

"It is a popular myth that in the month of Asar every single Nepali farmer must step into their paddy field and get contact with the mud. Meanwhile, this Mahotsava will sure attract domestic and foreign tourists at a greater number. Our purpose is not only to create a sensation for a time being but we want to leave a long-lasting impact. At the same time, we want to leave a message that we should bring more land into farming. Because if we grow more foods it means we need to import less from abroad. There was a time when Nepal used to export cereal crops but today Nepal depends on imports. Efforts should be put to bring more barren land to tilling" added Mahendra Shrestha, coordinator of Asare Ropain Mahotsava.   

All photos jukson.com



"It is good to see that nowadays more and more Nepali youths have inclined towards agriculture profession. I am convinced of the scintillating success of this year's Asare Ropain Mahotsava because this Mahotsava will attract more youths" said Ganesh Bhattarai, erstwhile president of Pokhara Tourism Council.  

The venue of the Mahotsava is located at Birauta. A local youth club and Ama Group will also join this year's Asare Ropain Mahotsava. There are many interesting events such as the Asare song competition, tourists sprint in mud, tug of war between foreigners, journalists' race competition, tourists' fish catching competition in mud, and cultural program. A cash award has been set for the winners in different events. "Outstanding farmers will also be honored with a cash award," said Ramu Gautam, general secretary of the organization. He further added, "We have made 26 different committees and 11 advisory committees". It is estimated that about 9.75 hundred thousand rupees will be spent to organize the gala event. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is the main organizer of the event whereas Pokhara Sub Metropolitan city and Pokhara Chamber of Commerce are the promoters of the event.  

Keshav Pathak

About the author

Keshav Pathak is a senior journalist and the managing director of Neotech Pvt. Ltd.
Location: Pokhara, Nepal

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