Nepal is promoted in London Mela- 2011

The Embassy of Nepal, London, took part in the grand London Mela- 2011, held in Gunnersbury Park of Central London on 04 September 2011 in order to promote Nepal Tourism and Culture with the support of Nepali Diaspora. London Mela, which is a setting for South-Asian cultural events, attracts around 100000 visitors every year.

Ambassador Dr. Suresh Chandra Chalise inaugurated Nepali stall by lighting the traditional lamp. This was followed by a reception hosted by the Embassy for the South Asian Diplomats and high level dignitaries. Representative of the Mayor of London, High Commissioners of Bangladesh and India, local worshipful Mayors and Mayores, Council Leaders, London Mela production team, Nepali artists and leaders of the Nepalese community including NRN attended the reception. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Dr Chalise mentioned the importance of the Mela and asked all South Asian countries to work together to promote its tradition and rich culture in Europe. On the occasion, Mayors from Ealing, Acton, and Cllr John Gallagher also spoke on the importance of Mela for bringing South Asian community together and sharing its rich culture and tradition. Other speakers included Julian Rudd; London Mela Producer, Cllr Julian Bell; Leader of Ealing Council, Mura Mirza, Mayor of London’s cultural Advisor and Ajay Chhabra; Artistic Director of the Mela.

There was an active support and participation of artists and volunteers of the Nepali Diaspora. Mela was a unique opportunity for promoting and marketing Nepal's identity. Focusing on Nepal Tourism Year 2011, embassy promoted tourism and culture through various Nepali music and dances such as performance by Naumati cultural band, Nepali band Crash 18 and Hadez and Indy-Indie. Folk dances were performed of various ethnic groups that included Gurung dance, Newari dance, Limbu, Sherpa dance etc. On the occasion, Nepalese cultural costumes too were demonstrated through shows.

In the Mela, visitors also got the opportunity to taste and enjoy flavour of Nepalese cuisine. Thousands of people- from different walks of life who visited Nepali stalls were provided with publicity materials, posters and DVDs on Nepal. The successful participation in London Mela was the outcome of the hard work and continuous collaboration, coordination between the Embassy of Nepal and the Nepali Diaspora since about few months. The mela was coordinated by the Prashant Kunwar from the Embassy with the support from Mr. Surya Gurung NRN and other Nepali diaspora. It was estimated that, as in the past, about 100,000 people attended the London Mela.

The London Mela was organized in an open area. There was participation from various South Asian communities. Stalls promoting tourism, business along with stalls selling food, clothing, Jewellaries were major attractions of the Mela. Funfare activities also attracted great number of visitors of all age groups in the Mela.

The London Mela 2011 was sponsored by various commercial and public sectors such as big businesses, media, entertainment, cuisine, culinary and hospitality organisations. Some of the major partners of the London Mela 2011 included Mayor of London, Borough Councils of Ealing and Hounslow, BBC, O2 etc.

New executive committee in TAAN

The 33rd Annual General Meeting of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) on September 5 unanimously elected a new executive committee under the chairmanship of Mahendra Singh Thapa. The AGM also nominated Jangbu Sherpa as the senior vice president of TAAN – the umbrella association of trekking agencies in the country. Rana Bahadur Khadka and Ambar Tamang were named 1st vice-president and 2nd vice-president respectively. Similarly, Mohan Lamsal, Dil Bahadur Gurung and Anjan Thapa have been named general secretary, treasurer and secretary respectively. The AGM also elected Gopal Babu Shrestha, Ang Chhetar Sherpa, Janak Prasad Pandey, Ram Bahadur Nepal Chhetri, Karma Sherpa, Rajendra Prasad Subedi, Krishna Raj Bhattarai and Nima Lama as executive members. Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun inaugurated the AGM amid a function participated by government officials, representatives of different travel trade associations, TAAN members and media persons. The AGM also approved annual progress report of general secretary Rajendra Bajgain and financial report of treasurer Khum Bahadur Subedi. The new executive committee will assume office in a few days.

Motorcycle rally from Malaysia

Bikers from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia who started their journey on August 7, 2011 reached Nepal, final destination on August 30, 2011. A group of 8 bikers on their BMW 1200CC bike traveled thru Thailand, Laos, China to Nepal. They visited Lumbiini, Pokhara, Nagarkot and Kathmandu during their stay in Nepal. Mr. Chang Wee Ling, Leader of the group said they were attracted with scenic beauty of Nepal. He further said friendly people and hospitable culture were the assets of this country. Mr. Sarad Pradhan, Media Consultant and Mr. Sudhan Subedi, Officer welcomed the bikers on September 5, 2011 at NTB. The rally was hosted by Mountain Adventure Trekking P. Ltd.

The Kathmandu Literary Jatra from September 16

The Kathmandu Literary Jatra is a three-day literature festival taking place from September 16 to 18, 2011. The festival's objective is to provide a platform for local language literature to engage with its international counterpart. The festival seeks to take Nepali literature on to the global stage.

The Literary Jatra will be held at different venues within the Patan Durbar Square complex. The festival is the first of its kind in Nepal. It will host 30 national and 10 international writers and poets. They will take part in readings, workshops and hold thematic discussions on various topics pertaining to Nepal and South Asia in both a socio-political and literary context. Prominent international writers who have confirmed to attend it are: Shazia Omar, Tarun Tejpal, William Dalrymple, Jug Suraiya, Mohammed Hanif, Namita Gokhale, Nayanjot Lahiri, Paro Anand, and Patrick French.

Photo exhibition tourist attraction in the offing

Bharat Bandhu Thapa, a photojournalist is exhibiting the photos that he has taken of tourism attraction of Nepal over the period of eight years on the occasion of World Tourism Day from September 25, 26 & 27, 2011. The exhibiting will be held at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Altogether 50 photos of Bhaktapur, Dolpa, Khaptad, Manaslu, Lharke Banjyang, Pathibara, Shuklapatha, Rara and other tourist attraction.

In this Issue :

Nepal is promoted in London Mela- 2011

New executive committee in TAAN

Motorcycle rally from Malaysia

The Kathmandu Literary Jatra from September 16

Photo exhibition tourist attraction in the offing

Upcoming Events

Photo Feature