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How are food and culture related? Both of these elements reinforce each other. Throughout history, the availability and accessibility of food have determined the survival and growth of civilizations. On the other hand, food has been closely associated with cultural identity and heritage. The food we eat often reflects the geography, climate, and resources of a region, and shapes local cuisines and culinary traditions. Food is also an important aspect of social gatherings and celebrations. Food is a basic human need for survival. It provides the necessary nutrients and energy for our bodies to function properly. However, time and again we see food holding cultural and historical significance. Food not only provides sustenance, but what kind of food we consume reflects the history, traditions, values, and social dynamics of a community or group of people. Historically, control over food resources was often a source of conflict and competition among civilizations. Access to fertile land, water, and other food resources have been the driving factors of conflicts, conquests, and territorial expansion. One of the many reasons Prithvi Narayan Shah wanted to conquer Kathmandu was its fertile land and easy availability of fresh produce. Whether it’s through agriculture, trade, cultural practices, or conflict, food has been a fundamental element of human civilization. It has shaped our past, continues to affect our present, and will likely play a significant role in our future as well. Control over food production and distribution has been used as a means of power and domination, shaping the political landscape of civilizations. This is one of the reasons why the oldest agrarian civilizations were found in riverbanks of great rivers such as the Nile, Yangtze, Indus etc. Throughout history, food has been at the heart of human society, and its role continues to evolve in the modern world. So, the significance of food in human civilization cannot be underestimated. It has been and will continue to be a driving force in the development and evolution of societies. So, understanding the importance of food is crucial to understanding human civilization as a whole. In recent times, an Asian wave has gripped the world which has led to massive popularity of Korean food and appreciation of Korean culture. In the USA, which is the biggest melting pot of people from different cultures and backgrounds, food from around the world can be found in the streets of New York. Moving closer to home, in Nepal, the obvious correlation between food and culture can be seen in the Newar community. Newari Bhoj is an amalgamation of culture and food that brings people from different families in a community together. It’s a cultural practice that spans generations. Here, food is an integral aspect of social gatherings, celebrations, and rituals, and it helps to define cultural practices and customs. The unique way Newar community prepares food making its taste distinct from other communities has fostered cultural identity by bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging. Food can also be a means of communication, expressing social status, hospitality, and belonging to a particular group or community. In Hindu marriage ceremonies, it’s a common practice to bring various fruits, nuts, sweets, and fish as offerings. The act of preparing food with love and care communicates the affection a person has for another. Food plays a crucial role in marketing social differences. Different cultures have unique dietary practices, food taboos, and culinary traditions that are shaped by various factors such as geography, climate, religion, and historical influences. For example, in Brahmin and Chhetri communities of Nepal, cows are considered sacred and eating, selling, and distribution of cow meat is forbidden, while some indigenous communities consider beef to be a delicacy. The ways in which food is prepared, cooked, and consumed can also vary greatly across cultures, leading to a diverse range of flavors, textures, and culinary techniques. Food is scarce in the Himalayan region, and they have dishes of potatoes, soups and teas. Traditionally, people in hilly areas consumed grains such as rice, maize, corn, wheat, pulses, etc. Tarai, with its warm and humid weather, sees the growth of varieties of fruits and vegetables. Food also strengthens social bonds by providing opportunities for communal eating and shared experiences. Many cultures have rituals and customs associated with food, such as family gatherings, festive feasts, and special occasions. These occasions often involve traditional dishes that are prepared and shared among family members, friends, and communities, creating a sense of togetherness and fostering relationships. This can be best exemplified by the Newari bhoj, a communal eating experience that is also seen as a celebration and festivity in various jatras. Food can represent a sense of belonging to a particular cultural group, and people often take pride in their traditional cuisines and culinary skills. Food can preserve and pass down cultural heritage from one generation to another. The Italians take pride in their pastas and pizzas, the Mexicans have their tacos and burritos, the Polish have their ‘peirogi’, and the Vietnamese have ‘pho’. However, it’s important to note that food can also be a source of tension and conflict, especially in multi-cultural societies where differences in food preferences, dietary restrictions, and culinary practices may clash. It’s said that one of the reasons of Hindu-Muslim conflict in India is the consumption of meat. Food can sometimes be a symbol of social status, power, and inequality, leading to issues related to access, affordability, and distribution of food resources. For instance, in the Mushahar community of Nepal’s Tarai, rat meat has been eaten as a delicacy for generations but this has affected their interactions with other communities in society. Food is a reflection of who we are as individuals and as communities, and it continues to shape our cultural heritage in profound ways. So, next time you sit down for a meal, remember that it is more than just food on your plate. It’s a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry that surrounds us. We should appreciate and celebrate the diversity and significance of food in our cultural landscape.

Dipen Niraula, a 22-year-old living in Bhangal, Budhanilkantha, doesn’t like to go out as parking in Kathmandu is a hassle. But stepping out is inevitable, and he finds himself searching for paid parking spaces. When he finally does, he has to be ready to pay a hefty sum, even if it’s just for a few hours. “Even if I park my vehicle for just five minutes, I have to pay the full fee. It’s so unfair,” he says. Parking on the roadside isn’t an option as the traffic police will seize his two-wheeler. Kishor Rana Magar, a 30-year-old living in Mid-Baneshwor, Kathmandu, says sometimes parking areas are quite far from his actual destination. He laments that first you waste time finding a parking space and then you have to walk quite a distance, which takes more time, to get to where you have to be. “But what can I do? There isn’t any other option,” he says. Kathmandu has always struggled with parking. Since the number of vehicles on the road is increasing every year, it will only get worse, unless some serious measures are taken.  The initiative of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayor Balen Shah to do away with street parking has decreased traffic congestion, says SSP Rajendra Prasad Bhatta, spokesperson, Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police. But it has led to parking issues. However, he insists the public should be willing to walk a little rather than park their vehicles haphazardly (and illegally) on the road. Sanjaya Uprety, associate professor of urban planning at Pulchowk Campus, Lalitpur, and the general secretary of the Regional and Urban Planner’s Society of Nepal (RUPSON), says the reason behind the lack of parking spaces is because the city didn’t factor their need while constructing roads and various landmarks. Take for instance the lack of service lanes for street parking. “It’s essential for people who might need to be somewhere for just five or ten minutes. But here they end up paying the full parking fee even if it’s just for a few minutes,” he says. Bhatta believes since many roads in Kathmandu are narrow, constructing service lanes on those streets is now impossible. “The ones that were constructed recently have service lanes,” he says. Uprety says that the government hasn’t been able to come up with innovative ideas to make parking spaces more accessible to people. In Dhaka, Bangladesh, the ground floor of every commercial building should have a parking space along with the basement. “It’s not just rules but also proper implementation that can create enough parking spaces,” he says. “I can’t comment on the progress but Shah’s initiative to have a parking facility in the basement of every building in Kathmandu is a good start.” Even if the number of parking spaces increases through this initiative, the cost of parking is still an issue. Avash Saakha, a 30-year-old living in Bhaktapur, says that he needs to pay around Rs 80-100 per hour to park his four-wheeler. Some days, he puts aside an extra Rs 500 just to pay for parking. Niraula adds it would be much easier if the government were to provide free parking spaces in busy areas. Nabin Manandhar, spokesperson, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office (KMC), acknowledges that the cost for parking in Kathmandu is high. But he says KMC has been working on reducing the prices. However, he confesses it’s not feasible for the government to provide free parking spaces. “Safety is important when it comes to parking, and we need to pay for the guards,” he explains. So for one’s own vehicle’s safety, the public shouldn’t demand free parking spaces. But the price can and should be made reasonable, he says. Restaurants, stores, and offices also need to provide parking space for those who visit these places. Manandhar says KMC has been working on a plan to build a parking area under Tundikhel. It would be a basement parking that can accommodate many vehicles. “We will be talking to the experts about its feasibility and will be proceeding with the work if there aren’t any issues,” he says. On the other hand, Uprety believes it’s also important to think of the ecological impact of these kinds of parking spaces. “In my opinion, building a parking space under Tundikhel is a bad idea since it will bring about a lot of ecological issues that the government is willing to overlook,” he says. He feels the same about multi-storey parking in Kathmandu, which is one of the many plans under the comprehensive ‘Brihattar Master Plan’ initiated by Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA). “Kathmandu is prone to disasters, and having a multi-storey parking lot isn’t the best option for the city,” says Uprety. The only solution, he says, in order to provide enough parking space is to promote public transport. He believes the reason why the public prefers to use private vehicles is because the public transportation is neither reliable nor comfortable. It’s usually packed and it takes more time to reach the destination since the vehicles make many unauthorized stops. Furthermore, they don’t reach every nook and corner of the city. “If public transport were better and efficient, people would automatically resort to using them instead of driving their own vehicles,” he says. Niraula agrees. He says if he could travel easily in a bus or a tempo, he would choose that over zipping around in his scooter. Manandhar says that the KMC has been developing an app that will let the users know the routes of public vehicles as well as their time of arrival at a particular stop. “This initiative was taken to make sure that the public will not have to wait a long time just to catch a bus,” he says. Will that be enough to solve Kathmandu’s parking problems though? Perhaps not, but it might be a good place to start.

There are many picturesque shots in Halkara that will be applauded for its cinematography. The lush green hills and clouds paint the frames of Halkara. The problem is that praise for its cinematography might be limited to the lush greens and painting-like frames. The DOP, Chinatan Rajbhandari, and co-writer, editor, and director, Bikram Sapkota, through staging, have managed to include a close-up as well as a wide shot within a single scene. For instance, take the scene where tired Ram (played by an on-form Mahesh Tripathi) tries to help Mia (played by an excellent Binita Thapa Magar) carry her load. The scene begins with a medium shot, and then we shift to a close-up of Ram, with his clenched chin, holding back all his secrets, and the camera pans as we move along with Ram who is trying to persuade Mia and help her carry the load. Halkara manages to convey its drama through the use of excellent staging most of the time, even though some scenes feel too staged at times. Halkara is set in times when manpower agencies were beginning to mushroom up, and the only mode of communication in most parts of Nepal was a letter. The letter plays a crucial role in the lives of both characters. Ram, a drunkard, wants an escape from his past, but he’s forced to be a mail carrier by Thul Dai (a subdued Deepak Cheetri). Mia, since two years ago, has been waiting for her husband's letter. Their lives intertwine when Ram visits her village to deliver the letters. Both of them are haunted by their past and the absent partners in their lives. In her case, her husband hasn’t written a word since the last two years, while in his case, it’s the death of his wife. Similarly, both of them have thought of suicide. Ram drinks like there’s no tomorrow; heck, he even has a gun in his room. It’s not exactly Chekhov's gun, but it wouldn't be a stretch to say that he’s thought of suicide. During a key scene, Mia reveals her suicidal thoughts to Ram. A lot remains unsaid between the two as well. Both of them understand what it means to be alone and to struggle every day to survive. Then there’s also a connection related to children. His wife had a miscarriage, and Mia always helps children study, maybe because their fathers are absent, and mothers are too busy to look after them. It could also be because he wants some companion other than her mother-in-law, and it could be a child. Elsewhere, children are running the family, doing their father's work. There’s only a single young man in the whole village whom everyone depends upon. Even though it’s a period piece, the reality of the villages is even worse as the children are also leaving now. Halkara manages to work as an intimate drama that paints a macro picture of the situation of foreign employment. The letters sent by the migrant workers paint a picture of the blazing heat and harsh employers as well as the sleazy manpower agencies. During a visit, Mia offers to read the letter. She’s been waiting for more than two years for a letter from her husband, and now she’s willing to read for others just so that she'll know what it feels like. The pain is better than the numbness. There’s also the elderly couple played by Sarda Giri and Bishnu Bhakta Adhikari, who could be any of the parents eagerly waiting for their children. The performances by all actors, particularly the leads, more than cover up for the flaws. Mahesh Tripathi, with his unkempt hair and beard, manages to convey both the anger and deep wounds of the character. Binita Thapa Magar plays a woman who, like her character in Yet Another Winter, is resilient despite being left alone by her husband. During the initial scenes, she appears to be cold, almost blank-faced, and later we realize that it’s an image she has created to remain resilient against the words of society and her sister-in-law. She portrays numbness better than any other actress of her generation. For all the subtleties, Bikram Sapkota can’t resist the temptation to over-explain. For instance, in the scene where Sarda Giri serves three plates instead of two, her son has been away for a long time without any letters. Even after all these years, the couple hasn't forgotten their son even while eating. It’s conveyed well, but the scene doesn’t stop there. After realizing that she’s served three portions, both the couple look towards the horizon, showing that their son flew away. But why explain the same thing twice within a scene? Also, we get flashbacks (extensive ones in the case of Ram) for both characters, and both of their stories are implied and mentioned in the dialogue itself. These flashbacks drag the pacing of the film, particularly in the second half, and you just wish the film will return to the main story. Elsewhere, there are portions that feel a bit stagey. The scenes feel 'staged' in the morgue house where officers stand in perfect poses. Directors can stage the scene however they like, but the way scenes are staged in the morgue doesn’t fit with the staging in other scenes where the staging doesn’t call attention to itself. Although the film sometimes relies on flashbacks to evoke an emotional response, the subject matter and the story are relevant to everyone, so even the slightest bit of drama can trigger a flood of tears. Today, with the advancement of technology, we don’t have to rely on letters, but we should still remember that some bodies do return inside wooden boxes.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectorial Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) marked its 26th anniversary on Tuesday. The regional organization, which serves as a bridge between South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, was founded on 6 June 1997 with the purpose of fostering regional cooperation.  The fifth summit of the BIMSTEC heads of state and government signed the BIMSTEC Charter only last year, which talks about creating an enabling environment for rapid economic development through identification and implementation of specific cooperation projects in the already agreed areas of cooperation. Out of seven BIMSTEC member-states, five of them are also part of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), namely Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Some see BIMSTEC as a replacement to SAARC, which is in a state of moribund since nearly a decade due to the India-Pakistan dispute. One of the key SAARC member-states, India appears more inclined toward fostering BIMSTEC. For a long time, the regional body did not make any progress but once the SAARC went into hibernation after 2016, BIMSTEC started to make progress.  Nepal is a strong proponent of regionalism as it provides an opportunity to make its voices loud in the international arena. In his message, BIMSTEC Secretary General Tenzin Lekphell has said the adoption of the charter has provided necessary legal provisions to build more efficient and effective working methods for BIMSTEC to strengthen its institutional framework and form a meaningful partnership within the region. As BIMSTEC marks its 26 anniversary and looks forward to its sixth summit due to be held in Thailand later this year, the regional organization seeks to revisit and re-examine its working methods to better serve the people in the region through Eminent Persons’Group to put forth practical recommendation for the future of BIMSTEC, the Lekphell has said. Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud has highlighted the potentials of BIMSTEC in terms of natural resources, cultural heritage, tourism, trade and investment. On this occasion of the organization’s 26th anniversary, BIMSTEC heads of state and governments have expressed their commitment to pushing forward the BIMSTEC process. Pushpa Kamal Dahal,  PM of Nepal:  BIMSTEC has completed the journey of a quarter century since its establishment in 1997. The region is diverse in geography but closeness in cultural and civilizational values brings together the South and Southeast Asian countries for the meeting of the aspirations of about 1.6 billion people. With the adoption of BIMSTEC Charter and reconstitution of BIMSTEC areas of cooperation, the fifth summit of BIMSTEC has given a new momentum to the regional process. Now, our concerted efforts and solidarity for the implementation of all our decisions and commitments are instrumental for making the region prosperous, resilient, and sustainable. As an active member of BIMSTEC, we are delighted to lead the people-to-people contact as one of the important areas of cooperation and look forward to working with all members. The six summits, which will take place this year under the chairmanship of Thailand, will have extensive deliberations on connectivity and other projects. Sheikh Hasina, PM of Bangladesh:  As one of the founding members of BIMSTEC, Bangladesh places great importance to the BIMSTEC process for socioeconomic development of the region through collective endeavors in a spirit of equality and partnership. The ongoing economic crisis due to the Ukraine war has taught us a harsh lesson and the importance of a strong region is more felt than ever before. We need to work together to face these challenges. During the last 25 years of its existence, the organization has made some truly remarkable strides. It is encouraging to see that over this period, BIMSTEC has been able to create a number of crucial administrative and regulatory structures including having its charter which will certainly contribute to move the BIMSTEC process forward. As a founding member and a host of its secretariat, I reiterate our commitment to taking every step possible to further strengthen the BIMSTEC process forward. Lotay Tshering, PM of Bhutan: As we observe BIMSTEC Day, let us reflect on the strengths and potentials of our vibrant region. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in the various sectors including trade, investment, energy, transportation, tourism and cultural exchanges and making important headways in others. Our collective efforts have contributed to the development and prosperity of nations, benefiting our people. Let us look into a future with optimism and focus on further strengthening the BIMSTEC process in fulfilling our common goal of peace and prosperity in the region. Narendra Modi, PM of India: BIMSTEC framework is our commitment to creating an enabling environment for the rapid development of our region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership. I am happy to note that we achieved a major milestone with the adoption of the BIMSTEC Charter last year. The Bay of Bengal has been a long-standing bridge between the people of BIMSTEC region. Our current efforts to have a maritime cooperation agreement and an agreement to facilitate the movement of motor vehicles across the region reinforces the importance of Bay for our collective security, connectivity and prosperity. I am confident that BIMSTEC countries will steadily move toward building a well-connected, more prosperous and a secure BIMSTEC region. Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of State Administration Council, Myanmar:  Myanmar joined BIMSTEC on 22 December, 1997 with shared aspirations of collective efforts for economic development during peace in the Bay of Bengal region. In the 26 years of its journey, BIMSTEC, a rule-based intergovernmental organization has been able to put its best foot forward in enhancing economic growth and prosperity in the region. I also have a firm belief that our commitments under the BIMSTEC mechanism brings stronger solidarity and friendship among the member states. Today, ramifications of Covid-19 and disruptions of global economic stability were unprecedented to the people around the world. I am confident that through our joint efforts, we can address those issues. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka:  BIMSTEC is indeed an important and meaningful organization, bringing the people and economics of South Asia and South East Asian region which are abundantly endowed with significant potential for economic development and enhancing the people-to-people contact. Bound by shared history and traditional cultural linkages, BIMSTEC has secured to be a prosperous regional grouping.  It is indeed gratifying to note that cooperation under the BIMSTEC banner has expanded in recent years. Sri Lanka remains committed to the founding principles embodied in the BIMSTEC charter and stands ready to work with other countries. Prayut Chan-o-Cha, PM of Thailand :  BIMSTEC has come a long way since the signing of the Bangkok declaration in 1997. The organization’s Silver Jubilee last year reflected that BIMSTEC has grown to become a cornerstone of regional cooperation in South and SouthEast Asia, creating an enabling environment for regional development and promoting economic growth. Through our collective efforts, we have made significant progress in a number of areas, notably in promoting regional integration, increasing trade and investment, improving transport and connectivity, enhancing security cooperation, and promoting people-to-people exchanges. Since assuming the chairmanship last year, Thailand has been committed and determined to work closely with all member-states to strengthen this regional organization.