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After two years of completion, the Chovar Dry Port in Kathmandu has begun services.  

Currently, two hundred cars are waiting for customs clearance. 

Businessperson Bibhor Kumar Agrawal is visiting the dry port regularly for some days to proceed with the customs for cosmetic goods imported from Italy. 

The custom clearance for new vehicles has begun at Chovar Dry Port after the agreement forged with NADA Automobiles Association. It has resulted in the arrival of businesspersons seeking services here.

With no direct access to sea, Nepal has 14 dry ports, among which, Chovar Dry Port is the latest and modern facility. Most of the dry ports are constructed at borders- with China or with India. 

The latest one is now close to the main market of the country.

The businesspersons are provided spaces in the dry port to store their imports. They can use the spaces as internal depots.

Godown, rack, and equipment to un/load consignments are provided in the dry port. Arrangement of CCTV, security persons, container management and bank service are other features to equip the customs clearance. 

The dry port is spacious for as many as 500 containers. 

Executive Director at Chovar Dry Port, Ashish Gajurel, said if it is to be operated in a full scale, an environment should be created to bring the imports directly to this facility. Similarly, it can be used for final checks to exports as well. “It is however not possible at present because the imports are checked initially at border customs, including Birgunj checkpoint. Then they arrive here. It is therefore a hassle to ferry any consignment at this dry port and move to other places,” he explained.  

Gajurel however informed that once the expressway comes into operation, the exporters and importers would be free of present hassles.

In the hushed gymnasiums of Massachusetts in 1895, amidst the echoes of bouncing balls and reverberating laughter, a new sport emerged—volleyball. Crafted by the ingenious mind of William G Morgan, initially dubbed ‘mintonette’, this game of finesse and camaraderie quickly found its niche within the esteemed circles of the YMCA. From its modest beginnings, volleyball's influence swelled like a tidal wave, washing across the United States and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the global sporting landscape. As the 20th century unfurled its wings, volleyball's ascent was nothing short of meteoric. Its allure transcended borders, capturing the imaginations of athletes and enthusiasts alike. Across the vast expanse of Asia, the sport’s radiance burned brightest, illuminating events such as the illustrious Far-Eastern Games of 1913. With each passing milestone, from the inception of the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) in 1947 to the inaugural men's and women's World Championships in 1949 and 1952, volleyball solidified its position as a premier athletic pursuit on the world stage.

Yet, nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas, another chapter in volleyball’s saga unfolded—in the storied land of Nepal. Here, the sport’s history traces back to the dawn of the 20th century, as Nepalis serving in the British Army introduced volleyball to the rugged terrain around 1933/4. However, it wasn’t until the tides of political change swept through the nation in the 1990s, with the dissolution of the Panchayat system, that substantive progress was witnessed. Amidst the shifting sands of Nepal’s socio-political landscape, the seeds of volleyball found fertile ground. The establishment of the Nepal Volleyball Association in the late 1940s signaled the dawn of organized efforts to institutionalize the sport. Though evidence of active participation during this nascent period remains scarce, a groundswell of advocacy, spearheaded by the National Sports Council (NSC), surged forth. Volleyball soon became intertwined with the fabric of Nepali society, with its popularity burgeoning beyond the confines of Kathmandu.

In the aftermath of World War II, the echoes of volleyball’s splendor resonated across Nepal, as sporadic matches sprung up among police and army ranks, laying the foundation for its burgeoning popularity. The NSC’s visionary initiative to distribute equipment across districts from 1969 catalyzed grassroots development, while Tribhuvan University’s 1970 inter-college competition served as the crucible for formalized tournaments. The year 1974 marked a turning point in Nepal’s volleyball odyssey with the establishment of the National Volleyball Association under the stewardship of Anoop Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana. As the nation tentatively dipped its toes into the waters of international competition in 1976, a new chapter in Nepal’s sporting history was etched, despite the modest tally of one gold, one silver, and four bronze medals.

Today, as volleyball courts dot the landscape of Nepal’s 77 districts, the sport’s enigmatic origins stand as a testament to its enduring legacy in the heart of the Himalayas. From the hallowed halls of Massachusetts to the majestic peaks of Nepal, volleyball’s journey is a tapestry woven with the threads of passion, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of camaraderie.

In May 2017, Nepal made a historic decision by designating volleyball as its national sport, a move that reverberated throughout the nation’s sporting landscape. This decision wasn’t just symbolic; it was a catalyst for transformative change, reshaping the way Nepalis perceive and engage with sports. Volleyball, with its adaptable nature, swiftly asserted itself as a prominent fixture, particularly in the rugged terrains of the western and far-western regions, where it found a natural habitat amidst the challenging topography.

Unlike sports like football or cricket, which demand vast expanses of open space, volleyball thrives in compact areas, making it accessible even in regions with limited sporting infrastructure. This accessibility has fostered widespread participation, serving as a conduit for social interaction and community bonding. It’s not just a game; it’s a unifying force that bridges geographical divides and fosters a sense of belonging among diverse populations. The cultural fabric of Nepal intricately intertwines with its vibrant volleyball scene. Festivals serve as vibrant backdrops for volleyball tournaments, blending athleticism with cultural festivities, thereby enriching both. Events coinciding with revered celebrations such as Dashain and Tihar not only showcase sporting prowess but also reinforce cherished traditions and values, uniting people beyond the boundaries of caste and creed. Additionally, tournaments held in memory of departed souls offer solace to grieving families while nurturing a sense of collective remembrance and spiritual connection.

Beyond its social and cultural significance, volleyball plays a pivotal role in Nepal’s economic landscape. Supported by sponsorship from both local entrepreneurs and Nepali diaspora, volleyball tournaments serve as lucrative ventures, driving revenue and employment opportunities. These events not only bolster local economies but also provide a platform for businesses to enhance their visibility and invest in grassroots sports development. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at promoting corporate social responsibility, such as the provision of sports equipment to schools and clubs, contribute to the overall well-being of communities, fostering a healthier and more active youth populace.

The allure of volleyball extends beyond the realm of mere competition; it embodies resilience, inclusivity, and a sense of communal spirit. As Nepal continues to embrace its national sport, the synergy between geography, society, and economy will propel the nation towards greater sporting prowess and cultural enrichment. In the towering peaks of the Himalayas, volleyball stands not just as a sport but as a potent symbol of Nepali resilience and unity, echoing the spirit of a nation determined to reach new heights, both on and off the court.

In closing, while Nepali volleyball may face formidable challenges on its journey towards excellence, the spirit of determination and resilience ingrained in the nation’s DNA will undoubtedly propel the sport forward. By embracing innovation, fostering inclusivity, and investing in infrastructure and talent development, Nepal can carve out a unique identity on the global volleyball stage. As the fervor for the game continues to ignite passion and unity across communities, the future of Nepali volleyball shines brightly, promising to inspire generations to come and solidify its place as a symbol of national pride and sporting prowess.

India’s Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava on Tuesday discussed with Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane security mechanisms between the two countries and the need for strengthening border management to check small crimes as well as human trafficking.

Srivastava paid a courtesy call on Lamichhane at the Home Ministry in Singhadurbar here and the two sides during the meeting discussed the “efforts needed to further consolidate deep, wide and diversified people to people relations between the two countries based on historical ties and geographical proximity,” according to the Home Minister’s secretariat.

The two sides agreed that criminal activities have come under control despite having an open border between the two countries through effective coordination between the security mechanisms of the two countries, a statement said.

Ambassador Srivastava underlined the need for strengthening border management mechanisms to check small crimes and human trafficking in the border area through coordinated efforts, it said.

Srivastava expressed India’s willingness to provide grant assistance for reconstruction works in earthquake-hit Jajarkot and Rukm West districts of western Nepal and provide specialized training to Nepal Police.

Lamichhane underlined the need to expand and upgrade mechanisms in the border area for testing pesticide contents in fruits and vegetables imported from India, according to sources from the Home Ministry.

Curry powder, the world’s most popular spice blend, takes us on a fascinating journey through taste and tradition. Forget about a single recipe, curry powder is a chameleon, adapting to local preferences and family secrets across the globe.

Imagine this: A posh London supermarket like Harrods selling fancy curry powder and a street vendor in India offering individual portions in little plastic pouches. This is the magic of curry powder – It’s everywhere, from high-end to humble beginnings.

So, what exactly is curry powder? There’s no single answer. It’s a symphony of spices, typically including turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and black pepper. Some blends add garlic and cinnamon, creating a warm, inviting aroma that elevates any dish.

The beauty lies in its diversity. Unlike a standardized spice mix, curry powder is a blank canvas. Each region, community, and even family has its unique blend, reflecting local availability and taste preferences. This creates a myriad of recipes, all waiting to be explored.

You can craft your signature curry powder at home. Start with a simple base like turmeric, chili powder, and cumin – the classic Nepali way. This is what I learned from my neighbor, the Palpali Newar family. This mindset has been with me since childhood, even though I’m now the head of Indian, Arabic, and Oriental cuisine for a multinational company, surrounded by a rich array of spices from Mother Earth.

Experiment with spices like coriander seeds, fennel seeds, or mustard seeds. Want a smoky touch? Add a cinnamon stick or cloves.

I also cherish memories from my mama and uncle Chabilal Marahata, also known as ‘Chop Bhaje,’ and ‘Sharma Ji,’ who started fish and aaloo chop at Malekhu. Sharma Ji used to make a fish masala blend from roasted white sesame powder, sarsyun seed powder (yellow mustard seed), cumin powder, chili powder, turmeric powder, and a hint of timmur. This blend was one of the best sellers and a crowd-pleaser.

Despite its popularity, our family never standardized the recipe or scaled it up like the rest of the country because we lacked entrepreneurial minds like our neighboring countries. I’m reflecting on this as I recall my traveling experiences and spending time with chefs and chef entrepreneurs from various nations.

Cumin reigns supreme as the world’s favorite spice, coriander is the herb of choice, and garlic is a global staple. Black pepper, the king of spices, holds the top sales spot. Turmeric is considered the gold of spices because of its brilliant yellow color.

But curry powder’s story goes beyond taste. Following World War II, a wave of South Asian immigrants brought their love for curry to Britain. Today, curry is as British as fish and chips, with chicken tikka masala even being called a ‘true national dish.’ One of the famous dishes from Japan is Katsu curry, basically a thick curry sauce served with steamed rice and breaded and fried chicken.

The health benefits are another perk. Curry powder’s diverse spices offer a treasure trove of goodness, potentially boosting brain and digestive health, promoting fullness, lowering blood sugar, and even providing antibacterial properties.

Now, let’s not forget garam masala, another popular spice blend from Asia. This ‘hot spice mix’ is perfect for meat and chicken dishes. Some people include garam masala in curry powder too.

While pre-made curry powders are readily available, there’s something special about creating your own. Adjust the proportions to suit your palate. Like more heat? Add chili powder or black pepper. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce it. Dislike a particular spice? Leave it out. There are no hard and fast rules.

Here’s a list of spices you can use in your curry powder mix, along with some recipe ideas.

Basic curry powder (all-purpose): Combine two tablespoons of coriander powder, one tablespoon of cumin powder, one tablespoon of turmeric powder, and one teaspoon of chili powder. This is a great base to add to any dish for a warm, savory curry flavor.

South Indian curry powder: To the basic recipe, add one teaspoon of mustard seeds, one teaspoon of fennel seeds, and a few curry leaves. This blend is perfect for lentil curries, sambar, and vegetable dishes.

Nepali curry powder: For a touch of the Himalayas, add half a teaspoon of ground timmur berry and half a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds to the basic recipe. This unique blend pairs well with lamb, goat, and stews.

Winter curry powder: Add a touch of warmth with half a teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of ground cloves, and a hint of nutmeg to the basic recipe. This blend is perfect for winter curries and stews.

Fish curry powder: Include half a teaspoon of fennel seeds and three green cardamom pods in the basic recipe for a seafood-friendly curry powder.

Red meat: For richer dishes, add a small cinnamon stick and a pinch of ground nutmeg to the basic recipe.

Remember, salt and lemon juice are your friends, balancing out the flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef