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Kirtipur, Kathmandu | 30 January 2026
Thon Fest 2026, a cultural and tourism-promoting event celebrating Kirtipur’s rich Newa heritage, was successfully organised on Friday, 30 January 2026, in Kirtipur, Kathmandu. The programme was conducted by SKAL International in collaboration with the Kirtipur Tourism Information and Service Centre (KTISC), in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the UNDP Sustainable Tourism Project, with the objective of promoting sustainable cultural tourism and strengthening Kirtipur’s position as an emerging heritage destination in Nepal.
The event commenced at Kirtipur Gate, where SKAL members and tourism stakeholders were warmly welcomed by KTISC with traditional Sagoon and Tika, accompanied by Newa cultural musical instruments. Following the ceremonial welcome, participants took part in a guided heritage walk around historic Kirtipur, offering meaningful insight into the town’s centuries-old settlement, religious landmarks and cultural landscape.
The heritage walk began with a visit to the revered Chilancho Stupa, where members of KTISC explained its historical significance. Believed to have been established by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the stupa is regarded as one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in the region. Located on a hilltop, Chilancho Stupa remains an important Bajrayani shrine, surrounded by four smaller chaityas and offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.
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Following the visit to Chilancho Stupa, participants proceeded to the historic Bagh Bhairab Temple, a major religious site deeply revered by the local Newa community and closely associated with Kirtipur’s identity and cultural traditions The heritage walk concluded at the sacred Uma Maheshwor Temple, one of Kirtipur’s most prominent Hindu temples, known for its elevated setting and sweeping views across the valley. .
A key highlight of Thon Fest 2026 was its immersive cultural experience programme designed to connect visitors directly with local traditions. Participants witnessed the complete process of preparing beaten rice (chiura) from raw rice grains, gaining first-hand understanding of traditional Newa food-making techniques. The event also featured yomari preparation and tasting, along with sampling of the traditional Newa beverage aila. Locally produced yomari, beaten rice and aila were made available for purchase, supporting community-based tourism and local entrepreneurship.
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The formal programme was held at Kirtipur Durbar (Layaku) and began with the presentation of a token of love from SKAL International to KTISC, symbolising cooperation and shared commitment to tourism development. The session included speeches from the Vice President of SKAL International, representatives of the Nepal Tourism Board, and Mr Krishnaman Dangol, Chief of Kirtipur Municipality. The speakers addressed Nepal’s tourism recovery, the importance of sustainable destination development, and the strong potential of heritage towns like Kirtipur in attracting international travellers and boosting the local economy.
The programme concluded with the closing address by SKAL International President Mr. Ramesh Luitel, who emphasised the importance of collaboration between tourism institutions, local governments and community organisations in promoting Nepal’s cultural destinations on national and international platforms. Following the formal session, KTISC also exchanged tokens of love with SKAL members, reinforcing mutual goodwill and long-term partnership.
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After the official proceedings, KTISC organised an informal cultural celebration which brought the evening to life with performances of traditional Newa dance, Dhimey dance, and the iconic Lakhey dance. Guests were also served an authentic traditional Newa feast, providing a complete cultural immersion through music, movement and indigenous cuisine.
Through initiatives such as Thon Fest, tourism stakeholders aim to strengthen Kirtipur’s identity as a sustainable cultural tourism destination, diversify Nepal’s tourism offerings beyond mainstream routes, and contribute to inclusive economic growth by empowering local communities and preserving the nation’s intangible cultural heritage.
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