Report of schoolchild of visit to Khokana (Khokna)
On a warm and bright Friday afternoon my father and I set out on our
motorbike to Khokna village not far from my home. The brilliant sunshine and the
fresh afternoon air all blended perfectly in making my trip enjoyable. The ride
was smooth although we encountered plots of ungravelled roads on nearing the
village wel known for its quality mustard oil production. During the ride, I was
mesmerised by the breathtaking scenery of the countryside. The vast stretches of
cultivated mustard field, the greenery of the hills and the snowy peaks were
very inviting and truly majestic.
Finally we arrived and it seemed to me that this settlement lived centuries
behind time. I was taken aback by the lifestyle of the people. I felt that
somehow the people of Khokna had lost track of time and transition. I think, it
is not solely because of ignorance but maybe because of their love and concern
towards their culture and heritage. The people of this typical Newar settlement
undoubtedly deserve a lot more recognition for their contribution is saving the
Newar culture and tradition.
As my father and I walked past narrow lanes and streets, I was struck by the
poor sanitation and living conditions of the people there. Beside the lanes,
there was open drainage and sewage. Street children were all smeared in dirt.
Piles of garbage lay ignored. I think the people of Khokna must be unaware at
such things. It was pitiful seeing the huge amount of dirt and the unhygienci
lifestyle of the people. Although it is close to Kathmandu, I feel that this
place is totally ignored by the concerned authorities.
Despite this grima condition, I had a peek into my own, true Newar culture and
tradition. the beautifully carved wooden windows, door frames, temples and Godly
representations really were an impressive reminder of the tremendous talent of
Newari craftsmanship. Every time we entered a street, it was like
walking past the artistic and medieval civilisation which has so much to offer
to modern people. As a souvenir of remembrance of our vist to this village we
bought an old Tibetan lock from a local curio shop.
In my view, to improve the condition of the village, funds could be raised from
the government, NGO's and other associated agencies to renovate and rebuild
dilapidated temples and structures. The locals of the village could also work
together to improve the sanitation and the general cleanness of their place by
creating awareness among themselves. By doing so, the true beauty of such a
traditionally rich settlement could be preserved and could attract a lot more
tourist too.
At around five in the evening we returned home. Although the ride was chilly, I
thoroughly enjoyed the visit. I learnt a lot about my own culture and heritage
and I look forward to visiting more such villages during my vacation.
Yashawi Shrestha.
18 december 2004 - 29 januari 2005 -
Terug in Kathmandu / fietsen naar
Sundarijal / Balaju-park 24 november - 17 december 2004 -
Streetdance / Bungamati & Khokana / goede doel
6 november - 23 november -
Pokhara, Jomson-trekking,
Annapurna-gebergte
23 oktober - 5 november 2004 -
Changu Narayan, Phutung, Pokhara
12 oktober - 23 oktober 2004 -
Verslag #5 Uitzicht Himalaya / Dashain /
kinderhuis
5 oktober - 12 oktober 2004 verslag week
4 Dashain/ Tihar festivals / borrel ambassade / Chobhar kloof / Nagarjun
28 september - 5 oktober 2004 -
Verslag week 3
(Nepalese taalles, lezing Lama Rimpoche, Budhanilkantha, computerlessen in
kinderhuis) 21 - 28 september 2004 -
Verslag 2 - o.a. Bouddhanath,
Kirtipur en Indra Jatra festival
15 -21 september 2004 -
Verslag 1 - o.a. aankomst in Nepal,
Swayambhunath en kinderhuis
Lubhoo in the Kathmandu Valley /
Kirtipur /
Tatopani
/
Budhanilkantha /
Tansen /
Chandra Giri Hill
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