The 24th Bagmati River Festival 2024 was a powerful celebration of Nepal’s natural heritage and community spirit. Organized by the Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) in collaboration with Friends Club, and supported by the Nepal Tourism Board along with various government and non-government partners, the festival once again brought attention to the cultural and ecological importance of the Bagmati River.
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.