KATHMANDU, MARCH 14
Unnati Cultural Village organised Unnati Mela on March 11 in Harkapur, Nawalparasi coinciding with Unnati's anniversary and in celebration of International Women's Day.
The one-day village fair aimed at promoting and empowering aspiring as well as young female entrepreneurs, particularly those based in the Nawalpur and Chitwan regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief District Officer Krishna Prasad Lamsal, who was the chief guest of the fair, expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by Unnati Cultural Village - a project founded by the Chaudhary Foundation - in promoting and developing arts and culture in the region.
CDO Lamsal emphasised that the preservation and development of arts and culture are integral to Nepal's identity, and play a significant role in showcasing the country's unique characteristics to the rest of the world.
Likewise, Deputy Mayor of Gaindakot Municipality Shanti Koirala lauded the efforts of Unnati Cultural Village in preserving the art and culture of the Tharu community and highlighted the village's contributions towards empowering women in the region.
The fair featured a variety of activities, including workshops on digital and mobile banking, as well as training sessions on digital marketing and e-commerce. In addition, there was a Nawalpur Residency Exhibition and inauguration of an Open Air Museum.
Manjil Dulal, the manager of Nabil Bank's Kawasoti branch, led the digital and mobile banking workshops at the fair.
The workshop laid particular emphasis on financial literacy, with Dulal informing the participants about various online financial services, as well as the digital banking apps and the facilities they offer. He also explained about the payment portals and its benefits to the attendees.
It is anticipated that the workshop will prove beneficial for local women micro-entrepreneurs and women's groups, as it will help them to expand their businesses and ensure financial inclusion.
In addition, Ashwin Neupane conducted a digital marketing and e-commerce training session at the fair, aimed specifically at young entrepreneurs, marketing professionals, and business start-ups.
The training session had a specific focus on various aspects of digital marketing, such as social media marketing, search engine optimisation (SEO), and data analysis. Participants also learnt about brand management and other key elements of digital marketing.
The Nawalpur Residency Exhibition and inauguration of Open Air Museum were the main attractions of the fair.
The exhibition was the result of a one-month residential programme, in which six participating photographers and videographers focused on capturing the essence and beauty of rural life in the Nawalpur and Chitwan regions.
The Open Air Museum had displayed ceramic arts made from clay and glass, as well as stone carvings created by both Nepali and international artists. Visitors relished a variety of artistic creations on display in the open air.
Meanwhile, certificates were also presented to the artists who had participated in the photography and videography residency, as well as the ceramic residency, in recognition of their hard work and dedication.
Unnati Cultural Village is a dedicated Tharu culture-based village that aims to safeguard and advance Nepali traditions, as well as foster and promote art and craftsmanship. Operated under the Chaudhary Foundation, the village has organised numerous activities to foster the growth of Nepali arts and culture.
The village boasts a picturesque setting, complete with traditional Tharu houses, verdant agricultural fields, and a charming museum that highlights the rich history and culture of the Tharu people.
Visitors to the village can immerse themselves in the Tharu way of life, savour delicious traditional cuisine, revel in colourful dance performances, and take part in a variety of engaging cultural activities.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 15, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
