A four-day 'changa chat' in Nagarkot, with attractions ranging from live music to heated swimming

Kathmandu. On the eve of Dasain, a four-day 'Changa Chet' pre-Dasain festival will be organized in Nagarkot from October 28 to 31. Continuing the tradition of kite flying in Nagarkot, which was stopped for a few years, the program is going to be conducted again from this year.

In Nagarkot, there has been a tradition of flying kites and celebrating collectively on the occasion of Dasain for more than two decades. According to the organizer, the event is going to be held at Mountain Vista Retreat in Nagarkot with the main objective of passing this tradition to the new generation and promoting Nepali culture, family gatherings and collective celebrations. The program will also have special attractions for foreign tourists. 

Along with kite flying activities, live music and dance, food stalls, face painting, pottery, magic and stand up comedy will be conducted during the four-day event. Participants can avail of special Dasain catering as well as heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi facilities. Organizers said that transportation facilities will be provided for participants coming from Kathmandu Valley to Nagarkot at an additional cost.

Arjun Singh Thakuri, a tourism businessman from Nagarkot and owner of Mountain Vista Retreat, said that 'Changa Chet' is not only limited to entertainment but is considered as an opportunity to convey Nepali culture and tradition to the new generation. "Kite flying has been going on for two decades in Nagarkot. It was stopped in between, but from this year we are going to organize it again with the slogan 'This year's Dasai... Kites in the sky, joy in our hearts!'" Thakuri said. He said that there is a plan to continue this event as a big festival instead of a normal one. 

The organizers said that former Miss Nepal Usha Khadgi and other artists will participate in the program. It is expected that there will be participation of family and general public along with personalities from entertainment, literature, health, education and corporate sectors. Nagarkot tourism professionals have said that there will be performances by various artists during the four-day event.