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Purbanchal
| FROM ISSUE # 122 (February 2006) | IN THIS ISSUE | |||
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Still rooted
Yes, Dharan is a very hip and happening place. For those who think this town is all about fashion, dance parties and rock shows only, this year's Dharan Festival proved that young people here are culturally aware too. 
The three-day Dharan Festival 2006 celebrated culture with local Dharan models catwalking the ramp in traditional attire. The dresses represented various ethnic groups that make up Dharan: Rai, Limbu, Newar, Tamang, Gurung, Sherpa, Yakkha, Sunuwar, and Tamu. Tara Chamling choreographed the fashion show while Drop Dhoj Rai coordinated the event. Cultural dances like Chandi Naach, Dhaan Naach, Hurraa, and Maanay Naach were also performed and Dohoris kept visitors entertained.
Manoj Kumar Myangmo, former mayor of Dharan said the town is known for its enthusiastic civic participation in social work and has maintained its cultural identity. "People in Dharan are heavily influenced by the west but they haven't forgotten their roots," said Dawa Laptu Sherpa, coordinator of the festival, "and this event asserts such conviction."
More than 200 business stalls had been set up. The movie Nai Malai Kehi Chahindaina, starring Prakash Poudel, was premiered. Besides the street fest, inter-school dance, drawing, and multilingual poetry contests were organised. Around 60 photos by journalists Anushil Shrestha, Yatra Thulung, Mojesh Rai, Rajesh Shakya, and Bishnu Baral were displayed at Dharan's Ghantaghar. Dharan's Ghantaghar was constructed by Dharanes living in Hong Kong. Ram Bahadur Limbu, recipient of a Victoria Cross, inaugurated a memorial for earthquake victims built by Dharanes living in Japan.
— DAMBAR K SHRESTHA, DHARAN