Explore the rich history of the sylvan path from Bhimphedi to Kathmandu, once the exclusive route for Nepal’s metropolis. Discover how this abandoned trail has transformed, giving rise to alternative livelihoods and thriving communities. Join us on a journey through time and explore the cultural dynamics of Chitlang valley.
1. The Historic Thoroughfare
Delve into the past as we recount the significance of the path from Bhimphedi to Kathmandu. Learn how invaders, pilgrims, traders, and royalty traversed this thoroughfare until 1957. Discover the unique practice of disassembling automobiles in the valley for transport to Thankot.
2. Reminiscing the Teeming Walkway
Bhaira Bahadur Basnyat, an octogenarian resident of Chitlang, shares memories of the bustling walkway. Explore the challenges faced by travelers, the abandoned state of resting places, and the disappearance of historical landmarks, including King Birendra’s tea establishment.
3. The Submerged History
Uncover the submerged history of the route, including the 1911 suspension bridge erected by Chandra Sumashere, now beneath the Kulekhani reservoir. Explore the metamorphosis of the road and its impact on the local community.
4. Thriving Livelihoods
Despite its abandoned appearance, the path has given rise to alternative livelihoods. Dive into the thriving vegetable patches of the Chitlang valley, supplying potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, and strawberries to the Kathmandu market. Explore the success stories of trout farms, goat cheese factories, sericulture farms, and olive plantations.
5. Cultural Dynamics of Chitlang
Discover the cultural richness of Chitlang, predominantly inhabited by Newari and Tamang communities. Explore harmonious coexistence with Chhetris and Bahuns. Witness the commitment to environmental protection reflected in placards and community cleaning duties.
6. Unity Amidst Diversity
Sano Maiya Moktan, a 40-year-old resident, questions the need for a separate state, highlighting the peaceful coexistence of diverse ethnic groups. Explore the unity and integration within the community, oblivious to external calls for a “banda.”
Engaging Paragraphs:
In the bygone era, the path from Bhimphedi to Kathmandu was more than a route; it was a lifeline for invaders, pilgrims, traders, and royalty. This historic thoroughfare witnessed the disassembly of elite automobiles, a unique practice where each part was transported by porters to be reassembled in Thankot.
Reminiscing the teeming walkway, Bhaira Bahadur Basnyat paints a vivid picture of a bustling journey. Today, this path lies abandoned, with resting places in disrepair and historical landmarks vanished. Yet, a few brave souls still embark on the journey, navigating the submerged history, including the suspension bridge submerged beneath the Kulekhani reservoir.
Despite its apparent inertness, the road has undergone a metamorphosis, fostering alternative livelihoods. Villagers toil under the mid-afternoon sun, cultivating thriving vegetable patches that supply Kathmandu with an array of produce. Success stories like Bikash Chand Shrestha’s trout farm highlight the region’s continuous power supply and proximity to the Kathmandu market.
En route, placards reflect a committed and integrated community. Environmental protection notices adorn walls, emphasizing the village’s dedication to cleanliness. The cultural dynamics of Chitlang reveal a harmonious coexistence of Newari, Tamang, Chhetris, and Bahuns, fostering a diverse yet united community.
Sano Maiya Moktan’s assertion questions the necessity of a separate state when diverse ethnic groups live and work together in tranquility. This unity amidst diversity defines Chitlang, where the call for a “banda” goes unnoticed on the day of our passage.
FAQs:
Q: What was the significance of the path from Bhimphedi to Kathmandu until 1957? The path served as the exclusive route for Nepal’s metropolis, facilitating the transit of invaders, pilgrims, traders, and royalty.
Q: Why were automobiles disassembled in the valley? Elite automobiles favored by Kathmandu’s elite were disassembled for transport, with each part carried by porters along the route to be reassembled in Thankot.
Q: How has the historic route transformed today? Despite its abandoned state, the route has given rise to alternative livelihoods, with thriving vegetable patches, trout farms, goat cheese factories, sericulture farms, and olive plantations.
Q: What submerged history lies along the route? Sections of the historic route, including the 1911 suspension bridge, now lie submerged beneath the Kulekhani reservoir, reflecting the changing landscape.
Q: What cultural dynamics define the Chitlang valley? Chitlang is predominantly inhabited by Newari and Tamang communities, with harmonious coexistence with Chhetris and Bahuns, reflecting commitment to environmental protection.
Q: Why is Sano Maiya Moktan questioning the need for a separate state? Sano Maiya Moktan asserts that diverse ethnic groups in Chitlang live and work together in tranquility, questioning the necessity of a separate state.
Conclusion:
In the heart of Chitlang, the historic path from Bhimphedi to Kathmandu resonates with stories of the past and vibrant transformations. From its bustling days to the present, the route stands as a testament to resilience, unity, and the ability to adapt. As we explore the cultural richness and alternative livelihoods, we witness a community thriving amidst diversity, harmoniously embracing its history while building a promising future.
