Author: space4knews

According to news summaries, Bandipur is transitioning from an ancient trade route to a popular tourist destination and is set to host a Village Tourism Fair on the 18th and 19th of Baisakh. The Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province Office, and Bandipur Rural Municipality are jointly preparing to organize the first provincial-level Village Tourism Fair. In 2085 BS, Bandipur welcomed 625,000 tourists, with a target of attracting 700,000 tourists in 2086 BS. (8 Baisakh, Gandaki) Once known as an ancient trading pass, Bandipur is now developing as a prominent tourist hotspot.

Historically, Bandipur lacked motorable roads and served as a major commercial gateway where goods from the western hill districts of Tanahun, Kaski, Lamjung, Gorkha, and Manang were brought to be traded. Being the headquarters of Tanahun, Bandipur’s identity shifted after the district center moved to Damauli in 2025 BS, transforming it from a trading hub to a tourist destination. Its cultural heritage and natural beauty have further enhanced its touristic appeal.

The landscape of Bandipur even captivated King Mahendra, who famously referred to it as the ‘Queen of the Hills.’ The ancient-style houses, scenic surroundings, and landmarks such as Khadgadewi Mai and Tundikhel add to Bandipur’s charm. The uphill path leading to Bandipur, crossing the Marsyangdi River, is immortalized in Mabi B. Shah’s writings and the popular song by Taradevi, ‘Bandipure Ukali Laamo, Marsyangdi Dungale Tarek…,’ which remains well-known to this day.

In recent times, various initiatives have been launched to promote Bandipur’s prestige and allure. Reflecting its status as a model village tourism destination, the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province Office, and Bandipur Rural Municipality, co-organized with the Village Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal (VITOF) Gandaki, are set to hold the first provincial-level ‘Village Tourism Fair 2083’ in Bandipur on Baisakh 18 and 19. Maniraj Lamichhane, head of the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province office, provided this information.

The fair is also organized in conjunction with Bandipur Rural Municipality’s declaration of the ‘Bandipur Village Tourism Year.’ Lamichhane explained, ‘The main objective of the fair is to develop a platform connecting small tourism enterprises and community homestays directly to urban markets and major agencies.’ Through this event, the aim is to link homestays and their services with broader markets, boosting both private and public investment in rural tourism.

Representatives from 11 districts across the province will participate in the fair. Lamichhane noted that tourism-focused programs will extend beyond Pokhara to other parts of the province as well. Surendra Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality, shared that collective discussions on tourism in Bandipur will take place during the event. He stated, ‘The fair will showcase the journey towards prosperity through village tourism, cultural presentations from various ethnic groups, and promotional sessions for community homestays and tourism entrepreneurs.’ Additionally, local tourism literature and promotional materials will be distributed, highlighting the diverse attractions of Bandipur.

Efforts are underway to develop a ‘Homestay Circuit’ linking Bandipur and Byas municipalities. Chairperson Thapa outlined that this circuit will include Mohoria and Ramkot in Bandipur-2; Kulung, Keshwatar, and Rumsi in Byas-14; Dharampani in Bandipur-6; Kamalabari in Byas-12; Korikha in Bandipur-5; Bandipur Community Homestay; Dharampani Homestay; the historic Huslangkot Fort; Kamalabari; Korikha; along with other community homestays.

Chairperson Thapa highlighted that over NPR 800 million has been invested in Bandipur’s tourism sector. In the year 2085 BS, Bandipur attracted a total of 625,000 domestic and international tourists. The target for the Rural Tourism Bandipur Year 2086 BS is set at 700,000 visitors. Plans are in place to develop the Ramkot, Dharampani, and Korikha homestays as exemplary tourist villages.

Currently, seven commercial homestays operate within Bandipur. Locals express confidence that alongside the fair, promotion and preservation efforts will focus on organic food, indigenous crops, and traditional arts and culture. Shobha Sapkota, Chairperson of the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Gandaki Province, stated that the fair aims to promote and develop village tourism across Gandaki Province. More than 50 homestays are operational in the province, and such events are expected to foster beneficial tourism partnerships among them.

‘The event facilitates the exchange of experiences and supports important professional partnerships among homestays,’ she said, ‘With the government’s provision of two days off per week, there is optimism that it will further support village tourism.’ Tarunath Pahari, founding chair of VITOF Gandaki and Chairperson of Pokhara Tourism Council, noted that the forum has long been promoting the potential homestays in the area. He emphasized the need to develop every village in Gandaki Province as a tourism destination.

Harkraj Rai, president of the Shram Sanskriti Party, has announced that he will not appoint a personal secretary for himself. Rai has also advised other parliamentarians to forego the provision of a personal secretary. He expressed confidence that other MPs will follow suit and decide against availing of the personal secretary facility. April 21, Kathmandu.

Speaking to journalists at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, Rai stated, ‘I will not take a personal secretary. I have announced this and advised against it.’ He expressed his belief that this decision would positively impact the working style of parliamentarians.

Mahalaxmi Municipality in Dhankuta has decided to conduct classes on Sundays starting from 15 Baisakh, disregarding the federal government’s decision to declare two days of public holiday. Meanwhile, Pakhribas Municipality commenced its student enrollment campaign from 4 Baisakh and will start regular classes from 15 Baisakh. The federal government had previously announced on 22 Chaitra that the academic session 2083 would begin enrollment from 15 Baisakh, with classes starting from 21 Baisakh, and two weekly holidays would be observed.

Mahalaxmi Municipality has chosen to initiate the new academic session from 15 Baisakh and is operating classes on Sundays, contrary to the federal government’s plan for two weekly holidays. The municipality stated that this adjustment was made to better organize the academic calendar. Dhruvaraj Rai, the chief of Mahalaxmi Municipality, has requested schools to start the enrollment campaign from 7 Baisakh and to commence regular teaching from 15 Baisakh.

In Pakhribas Municipality, the student enrollment campaign began on 4 Baisakh, with regular classes scheduled to start from 15 Baisakh. According to Gyan Bahadur Gurung, chief of Pakhribas Municipality, this decision was made following recommendations from a joint meeting involving the Municipality’s Education Committee, School Management Committees, and headmasters. Although the federal government directed that classes begin only from 21 Baisakh, the municipality chose to start earlier to avoid compromising the quality of education and to ensure sufficient instructional days.

Nepal Life Insurance has announced a plan to offer up to a 100 percent waiver on late fees to reactivate overdue insurance policies in celebration of its 25th anniversary. This initiative, effective from Baishakh 7 to Jestha 5, aims to strengthen the financial security of policyholders. The company noted this is the first time it has introduced such a substantial waiver. Currently, Nepal Life holds about 30 percent of the market share.

Kathmandu, Baishakh 8 – On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, Nepal Life Insurance has unveiled a special discount plan on late fees to revive dormant insurance policies. In light of the current economic challenges causing delays in policy renewals, the company has introduced an easy renewal payment mechanism to provide financial protection to policyholders reactivating their policies.

This scheme, effective from Baishakh 7 and continuing until Jestha 5, allows up to a 100 percent waiver on late payment charges when overdue policies are reactivated under the 2082/83 renewal program. According to the company, “This is the first time such a significant special discount has been introduced on the silver jubilee occasion.” It added, “The 30-day facility is available to all policyholders with overdue policies.” Nepal Life, being the country’s leading life insurance company, currently commands approximately 30 percent of the market share.

In the past 24 hours, traffic police in Kathmandu Valley have taken action against 3,501 drivers for various traffic violations. Among those penalized, 77 were caught driving under the influence of intoxicants, 158 for running red lights, and 89 for speeding. Nareshraj Suvedi, spokesperson for the Valley Traffic Police Office, reported that these actions generated a total revenue of NPR 2,515,501.

As of this morning, the breakdown of offenses includes 77 for intoxicated driving, 69 for being in unfit condition, 158 for red light violations, 89 for speeding, 172 for improper lane usage, 57 for keeping vehicle doors open while in motion, 77 for unauthorized use of horns, 55 for driving on slopes while picking up passengers, and 2,747 for other violations. Deputy Superintendent of Police and spokesperson Nareshraj Suvedi said, “A total of 3,501 drivers were penalized over the last 24 hours for various breaches of traffic rules, resulting in a collected revenue of NPR 2,515,501.”

Directed by Tulsi Ghimire, the film ‘Pahad’ highlights the current situation in the country and inspires young people to return home. Dinesh DC, Chairman of the Film Development Board, praised the film for clearly portraying the overall conditions of the nation and its commendable message. The movie addresses issues such as unemployment, depopulated hills, and water scarcity, with audience feedback encouraging the entire team.
At the special screening event held Monday evening in Kathmandu, celebrities noted how the film reveals the broader challenges facing the country. Musician Shambhujit Baskota emphasized the national importance of the film’s message, stating, “The hills are becoming empty. There are no jobs, and lush green mountains are turning barren. The message the film raises must be taken seriously by the nation. It motivates youth to return home and work collectively to solve these problems. The film is excellently made.”
Dinesh DC recalled that Tulsi Ghimire’s previous films combined entertainment with profound messages and said, “Tulsi Dai’s contribution through this film is commendable. Alongside the acting, it effectively presents the overall state of the country. Though the story is set in the hills, it paints a picture of the nation. This film inspires young people to return to their country, villages, and hills.” Director Tulsi Ghimire, actors Bipin Karki, Ravindrasingh Baniya, Renunath Yogi, Panchami Ghimire, and others shared insights about the audience’s response to the film.
Returning to directing after nine years, Ghimire expressed great enthusiasm about the viewers’ reactions. He said, “The message we wanted to convey through the film has been well understood by the audience. Many have felt it to be their own story. The message I aimed to deliver has been successfully depicted. The viewers have left the theaters satisfied.” The film vividly presents contemporary issues such as unemployment, depopulated hills, and water scarcity.
Actor Karki commented, “The audience’s response has motivated the team. This film depicts a genuine story rooted in Nepali soil. I am optimistic that the number of viewers will increase in the future. Those who have watched the film will surely recommend it to others as well.” Actor Baniya expressed pride in working with director Ghimire. The film also stars Madan Krishna Shrestha, Uma Giri, and Arun Kshetri. It portrays the socio-economic problems arising from youth migration that has left the hill regions depopulated.
Director Ghimire also introduced Madan Krishna Shrestha, who previously worked on ‘Balidan,’ and cinematographers Shiva Shrestha and Sunil Thapa, known for their work on ‘Chino.’ The cinematography is handled by Pramod Pradhan. Produced under the banner of Bhagyratna Films Pvt. Ltd., this film marks the acting debut of Tulsi Ghimire’s youngest daughter Panchami, while his eldest daughter Bhavana took charge of production design.

April 20, Dhangadhi – An 18-year-old youth, Ujwal Sayar, attending a wedding ceremony in Kanchanpur was fatally stabbed with a sharp weapon. The incident occurred at Punarbash Municipality-5, Bhanubasti, according to official reports from the police.

Police spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hem Bahadur Shahi, stated that the stabbing took place around 1:30 a.m. during a dispute at the wedding event. Ujwal sustained injuries to his chest from the sharp weapon.

He was immediately taken to Maya Metro Hospital in Dhangadhi for medical treatment, but unfortunately died during treatment, DSP Shahi confirmed.

Authorities have arrested two individuals suspected to be involved in the incident and have launched an investigation. The identities of the suspects have not been disclosed.

In Udayapur’s Belka Municipality-3, Satpatre, a bus carrying a wedding procession collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of 27-year-old Roman Basnet. The bus, registration number Province 1–002 Kha 0158, was returning from Manibas in Chaudandigadhi Municipality towards Belka when it struck Basnet, who was riding the motorcycle with registration Province 1–02–045 Pa 8446, last night. Police confirmed that Basnet died at the scene due to the impact.

In another incident from Udayapur, two people died this morning in a fire at Beltar Shanti Chowk, Chaudandigadhi Municipality-7.