Starting on the auspicious day of Sithi Nakha—a traditional Newar festival dedicated to cleaning water sources—the festival spanned over two and a half months, culminating in early August 2024. This year’s edition was not just a series of events but a collective movement to reconnect people with the Bagmati and reinforce the urgent call for its restoration.

🛶 Highlights of the Festival:

  • River Clean-Up Drives: Mobilizing local communities, schools, and organizations to actively clean the riverbanks and raise awareness about waste management.
  • Rafting for Awareness: A symbolic yet adventurous rafting program along the Bagmati, encouraging people to see the river not just as a dumping ground, but as a living entity full of life and meaning.
  • Cultural and Art Exhibitions: Through music, dance, paintings, and poetry, artists from all walks of life showcased their devotion to the river and its story.
  • “Samrakshan Padyatra” (Heritage Conservation March): Held on August 17, 2024, this heritage walk highlighted the deep connection between the Bagmati River and the historical, cultural, and spiritual roots of Kathmandu Valley.

🌿 Why It Matters:

The Bagmati River, once the lifeline of the Kathmandu Valley, has suffered from pollution, urban encroachment, and neglect. But thanks to festivals like this, there’s a growing wave of awareness and action. From local youth groups to senior citizens, everyone had a role to play this year—proving that conservation begins with community.

As echoed in the words of many participants, “If we honor the river, we honor our heritage.”

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