KATHMANDU: South Korean visitors thronged the Nepali pavilion — a souvenir shop and a nepali restaurant — at Incheon Global Fair and Festival 2009. Team Nepaliana have put up the pavilion in the Global Fair that started on August 7 and will last till October 25. Unlike the vague foresight of our ex-leaders, some countries have indeed managed to fully develop in about 20 years time. A country’s success depends solely upon its people. Contemplating this idea, Nepaliana members have thoughtfully and unselfishly dedicated themselves towards the mission of promoting tourism and bringing in foreign investment to Nepal through the Incheon Global Fair. Apart from the traditional layout of Nepal that appealed to the Koreans in the global fest, visitors have an additional opportunity to see cultural events in the magnificently set up booth, said Nepaliana chief executive officer Tenzi Sherpa. Team Nepaliana have put up a pavilion, a souvenir shop and a Nepali restaurant for this fair. Each designated section will help showcase Nepal’s fascinating culture, enthralling tourism destinations and rich local art and handicrafts as well as Nepali cuisine fascinatingly. In the Nepaliana pavilion, traditional folk musicians and dancers bedazzle spectators with their performances. Each day during the global fair, Nepaliana pavilion hosts cultural dance shows that represent various regional cultures of the country. The performers present various dances of different cultures in their respective traditional costumes. Live performances of traditional ‘Dhime’ music mesmerizes the audience. Visitors swarm the pavilion to get a glimpse of the ‘Kumale’ — pottery artist — in action with the pottery wheel as well. The artist puts up a very entertaining show and concept of pottery art of Nepal. Visitors are astounded by his performance of instant pottery making. Visitors can then take the earthen pots home as a gift from the artist. The art of pottery making has attracted many viewers and has been a great assistant in Nepaliana pavilion’s publicity. The artist, however, expressed his anguish at how artists in Nepal have not been given due credit and respect. Events such as these will give Nepal the much-needed recognition in fine arts field. These cultural events have generated deep interest among Koreans about the rich Nepali culture. But the main reason for captivating the hearts of visitors is the Nepaliana pavilion itself, displayed beautifully with Nepali art and handicrafts. “We are doing our best to ensure that every person visiting our sections is treated hospitably, and so far the response of the directors and general population has been overwhelming — overshadowing other countries,” said Sherpa.