Bhaktapur, 14 Dec: The 11th National General Convention of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) was grandly inaugurated on Saturday at the Sallaghari ground in Bhaktapur. The three-day convention, attended by a large number of party leaders, cadres, and well-wishers from across the country, was inaugurated by party Chairperson KP Sharma Oli. Following the opening session, the remaining programs of the convention will be held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.
The convention stage, artistically constructed at Sallaghari—nestled beside the historic and religiously significant Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—became a major attraction. The venue, spread over 108 ropanis of open ground owned by the Nepal Trust, saw many participants discussing and expressing interest in visiting and observing the historic temple. Santosh Khadka, who arrived from Okhaldhunga, said that seeing the Changu Narayan Temple featured on the stage made him eager to visit the actual site. He shared that he planned to tour the temple with his friends.
“We have never visited Changu Narayan Temple before. Seeing its structure recreated on the convention stage during the opening session made us want to go there,” Khadka said. “Since it is nearby, we have now decided to visit the temple.”
Similarly, Rabindra Shrestha from Khotang said that the stage did not only promote historical and religious heritage but also helped boost domestic tourism. He added that many participants were eager to visit the temple courtyard shown on the stage. “Since we are already in Kathmandu for the convention, we will now visit the temple, tour around, and offer prayers with friends,” he said.
Cultural Performances Add Color to the Event
The opening session was further enlivened by cultural performances showcasing Nepal’s diverse ethnic attire, music, and traditions. Performances included traditional musical ensembles, cultural processions, dances, and even the display of Janku, a Newar ritual honoring elderly citizens. Rallies featuring traditional instruments from all four municipalities of Bhaktapur—such as dhimay drums, band music, flutes, and Nyauli Baja—along with dances by women in traditional Haku Patasi attire and performances representing Magar, Lama, and other ethnic communities captivated attendees. Shamanic dances and various cultural tableaux added excitement to the event.
Participants from different districts marched with local musical instruments and cultural dances, creating a lively atmosphere. Some attendees were deeply engaged in listening to speeches, while others joined cultural dance groups on the field. A particularly vibrant moment occurred when members of the Newar community brought a 99-year-old grandmother dressed in Janku attire on a decorated chariot carried by her six sons and grandchildren to the front of the venue. This living display of culture and identity allowed participants from all 77 districts to witness and appreciate Nepal’s traditions.
Smooth Traffic Management and Security
Learning from the traffic disruptions experienced during the party’s 10th General Convention in Chitwan, the UML Bhaktapur District Committee coordinated closely with security agencies to ensure smooth traffic management. Despite the large turnout, the Araniko Highway—from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur and onward to Kavre—remained fully operational throughout the day.
Rallies arriving from Gatthaghar and Jagati used only the service lanes of the six-lane road, allowing vehicles to move smoothly. UML Bhaktapur District Chairperson Bachan Deuja said that volunteers and security personnel deployed by the District Administration Office ensured that designated routes and service lanes were used, preventing road blockages.
Bhaktapur Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal informed that three layers of security were deployed at the venue. He said bomb detection equipment was used in the morning to conduct thorough checks of the stage and surrounding areas, and around 2,500 security personnel—including Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and plainclothes officers—were mobilized. Surveillance was also carried out using CCTV cameras.
Local Businesses Benefit
Local businesses, especially small vendors, benefited significantly from the event. From Bhaktapur’s famous JuJu Dhau (king curd) to traditional Newari snacks, food stalls helped participants while boosting local trade. Kancha Ram Saiju, owner of Jay Shambho JuJu Dhau Center, said he was delighted to serve Bhaktapur’s renowned curd to visitors from different districts.
Nearby momo vendors and Newari snack shops also reported brisk business. Almond vendor Anil Bhaju said he sold a week’s worth of almonds in a single day, while sellers of oranges and beverages also enjoyed strong sales.
Strong Participation and Parking Management
The opening ceremony saw the participation of 2,262 official representatives, with attendees from all 77 districts filling the 108-ropani field. Due to continuous arrivals and departures, the exact number of participants was difficult to determine. UML Bhaktapur District Vice Chairperson Kiran Thapa Magar said attendance exceeded expectations.
To ensure visibility and audibility, two 30-foot-high LED screens were installed on both sides of the stage, along with 115 high-quality sound systems capable of transmitting sound up to three kilometers. This allowed thousands of participants outside the main ground to hear the speeches clearly.
Parking arrangements were also smooth. Vehicles arriving via Thankot were parked at an open ground near the Civil Aviation Authority office in Gatthaghar, while those coming through Kavre were parked at Jagati’s Viral Planning area.
Boost to Domestic Tourism and Clean-Up Efforts
Many delegates and cadres were seen visiting Bhaktapur’s heritage sites, including the 55-Window Palace and the Nyatapola Temple at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Those staying beyond Saturday are expected to visit heritage sites in Bhaktapur, Madhyapur Thimi, and Changu Narayan, contributing to local tourism.
Bhaktapur Municipality’s Ram Chandra Prajapati said the influx of visitors led to crowded markets and heritage areas, with hotels and restaurants earning well. Sales of JuJu Dhau, beverages, almonds, and oranges surged throughout the day.
Cleanup and management of the venue began Saturday evening. Party Vice Chairperson Kiran Thapa said all waste would be cleared by night, temporary toilets would be managed, and the stage would be dismantled and transported to Bhrikutimandap the same day.
