Walking down ancient roads | Walk With Wave

"People who won't look back to their ancestors, won't look forward to prosperity." This struck my mind as we went on WALK WITH WAVE II. The walk began on the cool fresh morning of Kaag Tihar on 30 October. Ashoka fellow and community development expert, Anil Chitrakar, led us, seven participants, on our voyage, exploring frequently visited but often ignored alleys of Kathmandu.

The walk started from Chhusya Bahal and ended in Basantapur. The latter being my favourite place, I was overwhelmed. The walk was much more than I had expected. We walked down memory lanes into pre-historic times, learning about the construction of several cultural sites, and the effect of today's modernisation. We were fascinated by the artistic designs of the monuments, and how they depict the unique skills, tradition, and creativity of our ancestors.

We usually rely on foreign aid to reconstruct our heritage. But we were happy to learn that the people in the community have started making efforts at the local level as well. For instance, Chhusya Bahal, which was in ruins, has now been renovated by the community. Similar is the story of Aakash Bhairab Temple in Indrachok.

We were taken aback when we were told that the road along Janabahal that leads from Ason to Indrachok is the oldest in the Valley. It was good to see the renovated Itum Bahal being used for schooling primary kids. We realised that the pigeons around temples actually serve a purpose–feeding on the termites that destroy wood. Isn't it a fantastic way to preserve our monuments?

We learnt a great deal about our past on this walk. I felt like I'd rediscovered Kathmandu. It was truly a great way to start Tihar.

Notes from Walk With WAVE-II: Kathmandu

Absolutely fascinating. Learnt so many new things. Every Kathmandu resident SHOULD TAKE THIS WALK.
- Bijaya Krishna Shrestha

Great tour. I LEARNT MORE ABOUT KATHMANDU IN THESE THREE HOURS THAN ANY OTHER DAY OF MY LIFE. Definitely learnt the hows and whys of Tihar.
-Ajaya Krishna Shrestha

The walk was very insightful and informative. It REMINDED ME OF MY ROOTS and OPENED MY EYES TO A CITY OF CULTURE AND TRADITION. It would be great if similar walks could be organised more often.
-Prajay Krishna Shrestha