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Do you know what connects the art of Dolma making in Azerbaijan, the French Gastronomic meal, Singapore’s vibrant Hawker culture, and the traditional Japanese Washoku? The answer is delicious and culturally rich food. These culinary traditions are not only about food but are also proudly listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This list safeguards a wide range of food and food-related cultures, from Belgian Beer to the tradition of Couscous, Korean Kimchi to Neapolitan Pizza, thanks to the dedicated efforts of individuals and national and international actors.

Now, let’s bring our focus closer to home. A decade or so ago, the vibrant streets of Kathmandu Valley were filled with the aroma of Jho Bhoya, a cherished Newari feast served on Saal tree leaves. People gathered, sitting on traditional straw mats (Sukul), to indulge in this four-course extravaganza. This culinary adventure included beaten rice, meat, spinach, peas, potatoes, cucumbers, methi, pankua, yogurt, rice beer, alcohol, cauliflower, fruits, sweets, curd, and more. The feast was divided into four phases, each offering a unique array of flavors.

The food items are divided into four phases. In the first phase, beaten rice, especially radish pickle, 1-2 pieces of meat, green garlic, and more are served. The second phase features Dyakala (gravy meat), legumes, cauliflower, and potato. Moving on to the third phase, legumes, mushrooms, methi soup, pankua, radish, and chana are served. Finally, in the fourth phase, bhutaan, curd, small peas, radish, carrot, cucumber, fruits, and sweets are served.

So, what happened to Jho Bhoya? Is it expensive to organize? I don’t think so. People are paying a minimum of Rs 2,000 per plate for a regular feast, and it can be organized within that budget. The scarcity of human resources to serve these dishes may be a challenge, but the most pressing concern is the dwindling knowledge. Those who possess the culinary secrets are aging, and few young individuals are eager to inherit this invaluable heritage. It's clear that we must act to preserve it, but the question is how?

To conserve and promote our Intangible Cultural Heritage, the first step is to monetize it. This ensures that those dedicated to protecting our culture and traditional food have the means to live with dignity. A significant boost to conservation and promotion could come from adding Jho Bhoya or the entire Newari food culture to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

The registration of Nepal’s Newari cuisine as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list is indeed possible, but it requires a well-coordinated effort by the Nepali government, local communities, and cultural preservation organizations.

Achieving this recognition demands a thorough documentation of Newari cuisine. This documentation should encompass its history, traditional recipes, cooking techniques, rituals, and social customs related to food preparation and consumption. Every detail should be meticulously recorded.

The active involvement and support of the Newar community are crucial since they are the primary bearers and practitioners of this culinary tradition. Their insights, knowledge, and consent are essential in the process. Collaboration with culinary historians, ethnographers, anthropologists, and other experts is also necessary. These experts can provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance and uniqueness of Newari cuisine.

We must emphasize the cultural significance of Newari cuisine, not just as a source of sustenance but as a symbol of cultural identity, community cohesion, and the preservation of local traditions.

Sustainability is another significant aspect. We should highlight the sustainable practices associated with Newari cuisine, such as the use of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, which foster a harmonious relationship with the environment.

Newari cuisine deserves a place in the global gastronomic landscape, given that gastronomy encompasses the art and science of enjoying food and drink. It goes beyond mere consumption to include the appreciation of food, understanding its cultural and historical significance, and exploring different tastes, textures, and flavors.

Additionally, raising public awareness about the significance of Newari cuisine and the importance of its preservation, both locally and internationally, is paramount. We must develop a plan for the safeguarding of Newari cuisine, ensuring that traditional practices continue to be passed down through generations.

It’s important to note that the process of registering a cultural element as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage can be complex and time-consuming. Successful nominations require a strong demonstration of community involvement, commitment to preservation, and a deep understanding of the cultural significance of the tradition.

Join this campaign for your community and savor the journey towards Culinary Nirvana while enlightening others about your heritage. This process necessitates support from the Nepali government, Guthi Sansthan, Nepal Tourism Board, cultural organizations, and international bodies that can aid in the nomination and provide financial or technical assistance.

Financial support is essential, especially considering the constraints faced by the Kathmandu Metropolitan Corporation in utilizing its budget. Therefore, we can request KMC to allocate funds for this noble endeavor. Together, we can ensure that the flavors and traditions of Newari cuisine continue to thrive and captivate the world.

In conclusion, with careful structural planning, meticulous documentation, and unwavering community support, Newari cuisine has the potential to be recognized and celebrated on the international stage as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This recognition will help preserve and promote this unique culinary tradition for future generations and elevate Nepal as a global tourism destination.

I’m a 20-year-old female currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree. While everything seems fine with my studies and life in general, I can’t shake the feeling of unhappiness. I would say I’m only 10 percent happy, and within that 10 percent, my parents and my boyfriend bring me joy. I’m struggling to pinpoint the exact cause of my unhappi. Please help me.

Answered by Rishav Koirala, psychiatrist and researcher

As a 20-year-old female pursuing your Bachelor’s degree, your persistent unhappiness is a matter of concern, and it’s important to recognize that multiple factors can contribute to this state. First,we need to find out whether it is natural or pathological (related to illness). If there are major negative ongoing events in one’s life, feeling of sadness is common. But we tend to overcome such sadness with time. If these symptoms are present without any major reason, then mood disorders such as dysthymia, and depression and adjustment disorders can be potential contributors to your unhappiness. Dysthymia, often referred to as persistent depressive disorder feeling, is characterized by chronic feelings of sadness and hopelessness that persist for at least two years or longer. While it may be less severe than major depression, dysthymia can still significantly impact your daily life and overall happiness. On the other hand, depression is a mood disorder marked by intense feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Depression can be episodic or chronic and can significantly affect one’s ability to function in daily life.

Academic stress is another factor worth exploring in your situation. Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree can be demanding, with the pressures of coursework, exams, and future career expectations. It’s advisable to discuss your academic concerns with an academic advisor or counselor who can offer guidance and strategies for managing your workload more effectively.

Moreover, it’s crucial to evaluate your overall lifestyle. Are you getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity? Neglecting these basic self-care practices can have a considerable impact on your mood and contribute to feelings of unhappiness. Sleep problems, in particular, can manifest in various ways, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep for long hours, waking up too early, or experiencing poor sleep quality. These disturbances can disrupt your sleep cycle, leading to fatigue, irritability, and mood changes during the day. Sometimes, sleep disturbances may even serve as a symptom of underlying mental health conditions or stressors.

Regarding the duration of your condition, it’s important to note that it can vary widely depending on the specific issues involved. Mental health concerns like unhappiness, depression, or anxiety can have varying durations and trajectories. While some individuals may experience relatively short episodes, others may deal with these issues for more extended periods. To gain a deeper understanding of your specific situation, it’s essential to consider the possibility of underlying emotional or psychological factors. A licensed mental health professional can be instrumental in helping you explore these factors further and identify any underlying issues or traumas that might be contributing to your unhappiness. Consulting with such a professional can be a crucial step toward improving your overall well-being and finding effective strategies for addressing the root causes of your discontent.

A man has gone missing in the Karnali river since Saturday evening after a tuin (ropeway) he was using to cross the river got snapped. 

The missing person has been identified as Makkar Singh Nepali (38) of Negaun of Soru Rural Municipality-5 in Mugu.

He fell into the river from the Lyapche (Khadikhet) Ghat based in Sarkegad Rural Municipality of Humla.

The incident took place when Nepali, a worker employed for a road construction project in the Gyusi Chhare section along the Karnali Corridor, was returning to his residence after work.

Property worth millions of rupees was destroyed when a fire broke out at the Janakpur-based Big Mart on Saturday.

The fire was taken under control only this morning, according to the District Police Office, Dhanusha.

The fire at the Mart located in Ramananda Chowk of Janakpur Sub metropolis was extinguished with the help of firefighters from various local governments, police and the locals.

Mart proprietor Ram Babu Ray said that property worth around Rs 100 million was destroyed in the flame.

"My family and I were on the second floor of the Mart when we noticed the fire, and we managed to escape to safety," he said.