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The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has urged the government to move ahead with the formulation of the media related bills based on the Constitution of Nepal, the universal standards and practice of freedom of press and expression.

A meeting of the FNJ officers and members on Wednesday decided to welcome the government's initiative to present the media bill in the current session of the Parliament. The bill should go through the parliamentary process after extensive discussion and consultation with the concerned parties including the FNJ.

Considering the current situation where the media sector is facing a financial crisis, the FNJ has appealed to the government to adopt a policy of protecting the media sector, by among others, creating a media-friendly environment and increasing public welfare advertisements while distributing it in a proportionate manner.

The FNJ has also demanded that the new media be classified and included as eligible for getting public welfare advertisements.

What is your childhood memory of ‘bhogate’(pomelo)? Don’t tell me you also played with bhogate, making it into a football of sorts. There used to be lots of bhogate trees in Kathmandu Valley. Since the production of bhogate was high and demand was low, as the population was less compared to present-day Kathmandu, the best way to utilize it was to play with it. And, some bhogate trees used to produce such bitter fruit that owners would be happy to give it away for play.

Playing with bhogate was no easy feat with bare feet. It started with a bit of pain, but after many kicks, it became an enjoyable daily ritual. Each day brought a new ball for winter play, courtesy of the bhogate trees that produced bitter fruits.

Another childhood memory might involve being told that consuming pomelo increases blood quality and quantity. Turns out, a peeled pomelo weighing about 600 grams is a powerhouse of nutrition. It has 231 calories, five grams of protein, no fat, 59 grams of carbs, six grams of fiber, and a bounty of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s no wonder pomelo was believed to enhance blood health.

Bhogate sadeko, a marinated pomelo dish, is more than just a vibrant heritage of Nepali culture. It’s a tradition, a connection to our roots, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Nepali communities worldwide. Originating from Nepal, bhogate sadeko is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, capturing the essence of the revered pomelo fruit.

It’s a favorite during winter afternoons when families and friends gather under the warm sun to enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish, normally consumed in gatherings, especially women’s gatherings or family gatherings on sunny days. It’s a seasonal dish from Nepal.

For the Nepali diaspora, bhogate sadeko holds a special place, evoking memories of sunny days and sharing laughter with neighbors. Beyond its culinary allure, this dish packs a punch of health benefits, from immune-boosting vitamin C to fiber and potassium for digestive wellness.

Pomelo (Citrus maxima) is a large citrus fruit that belongs to the Rutaceae family. Known for its sweet and tangy flavor, it’s the largest citrus fruit, often compared to and sometimes mistaken for grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) due to its similar appearance. Varieties like Chandler, Thong Dee, Tambun, and Kao Nam Phueng each contribute their unique characteristics to the flavor palette, creating a symphony of tastes in bhogate sadeko.

Pomelo is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions like Malaysia and Indonesia. It’s now widely cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions, including Nepal, China, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines. The fruit has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including the Americas and certain Mediterranean countries.

 As a Product Development Chef, I’ve taken it upon myself to introduce this cultural delight to diverse menus. The nostalgic taste of bhogate sadeko transcends borders, and soon, it will find its place in a Middle Eastern menu, adding a touch of Nepali flair to the global culinary stage.

When I was the chef patron of a restaurant called Zumbura in London, I tried to link my childhood memory of bhogate to a cocktail drink. That was quite successful. Infusing pomelo juice into our cocktails wasn’t a mere quest for a refreshing drink; it was a homage to the authentic flavors that had shaped my culinary journey. Ingredients inspired by local produce, such as pomelo, became the bridge linking the diverse palette of cuisine with the traditions of my Nepali heritage.

In our fast-paced lives, preserving culinary traditions becomes paramount. Bhogate sadeko is more than a recipe. It’s a story waiting to be told, a piece of Nepal that resonates across generations. Sweet and sour pomelo is mixed with yogurt, sugar, salt, and chilies, and tempered with mustard oil and fenugreek seeds to make this afternoon snack for winter afternoons when a group of families and friends sit together under the warm sun and consume this dish. Other citrus fruits can also be added to bhogate.

The preparation is simple. Peel the pomelo, and marinate it with yogurt, salt, and chili powder, adding green chili for an extra kick. You can also add some oranges as well. Sputter fenugreek seeds until dark in hot mustard oil, add turmeric powder, and temper the marinated pomelo. Mix well and enjoy this delightful, nostalgic dish that connects us to our roots. 

 The author is a UK-based R&D chef

Eleven rhinos have been found dead in Chitwan National Park (CNP) and surrounding areas in the current fiscal year.

Of these, two were killed by poachers while nine died due to natural causes, said Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, the CNP Information Officer.

According to him, the natural causes of the rhino deaths include getting stuck in bog, ill health, fighting with each other, attacks by tiger and old age.

Tiwari said the male rhino that was found dead on the bank of the Rapti river in west Chitwan on Monday had died due to old age.

He added that the horn and hooves of the about 30-year-old pachyderm were found intact.

A place surrounded by forests, caves and a natural lake that never dries up, Pattal Bhubaneswar in Sudurpaschim province has many notable features. 

Although the site, located in Surnaya Rural Municipality-2, Baitadi, has a great tourism potential, not many visitors come here due to the lack of promotion. The main attraction of Pattal Bhubaneshwar is its main cave which is said to be the deepest in South Asia. Several teams have tried and failed to measure the length and depth of the cave. 

In 2015, a team led by French cave expert Maurice Dussin studied up to 800 meters of the cave. The team couldn’t go beyond that point. After that, a geological team of Tribhuvan University also studied the cave. The team concluded that since the topography of the area is rocky, there won’t be any damage due to natural calamities like earthquakes. Yet another team of foreign experts tried to measure the length of this cave last month. The team led by UK cave expert Peter Alisson also failed to measure the entire length of the cave. The team has said the caving experience in Pattal Bhubaneshwar was different from other caves in the world. “This cave is deeper than the ones in Meghalaya, India, and Thailand. Commercial caving is possible in these two caves, but we couldn't go much deeper in this cave. It’s among the deepest in the world,” Alisson added.

Alisson suggested local authorities to promote these caves in the global arena so that this area can benefit from tourism. 

Kailash Chand, a member of the exploration team, said he saw an interesting structure resembling an elephant trunk and several statues and a Shivalinga. “The route narrows down as we go deeper. The cave floor is moist. We can see several structures as well as inscriptions,” he added. 

The team explored the cave for nearly eight hours on the first day and 12 hours on the second day. The local people are planning to develop the cave into an adventure tourism destination.
“The study has concluded that this area holds potential for tourism development. We need to build necessary infrastructures to welcome tourists,” Arun Bista, president of Pattal Bhubaneshwar Religious Forest Committee, said. “We need to build accommodation and also launch effective publicity campaigns.”

Pattal Bhubaneswar Cave, which is only a 20-minute walk from Dasharath Chand Highway, also holds special religious significance. According to Hindu scriptures, goddess Sati Devi’s foot fell at this place when Lord Shiva was roaming the world with her dead body. There is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The area wears a festive look during festivals like Mahashivaratri. But the temple is in a dilapidated state now. 

“We need to renovate the temple and build accommodations for tourists,” Keshav Raj Bhatta, a local of the area, said. 

Rural municipality chairperson Amar Bahadur Kunwar said they were preparing a master plan for the development of Pattal Bhubaneshwar area. “We are working in coordination with the provincial and federal governments,” he added.