We in CPR are delighted to know activists around the world who are committed to protecting and defending their land and the life in their communities.To celebrate the work of these protectors and to help build a larger alliance of like-minded activists, we begin a series of occasional interviews.Our first communique comes from Nepal.
Tell us about the community you belong to. What is the name of your Community?
The community we live in is called Newa community. Newa or Locally known as Newar is an ethnic indigenous community of Nepa Mandal (Kathmandu valley). Trading and farming are the main occupations of Newa people.
I (Niraj) am a part of the Newa community. Within the Newa community, where communities are identified by occupational castes, I belong to Tamrakar meaning copper worker. My community follows a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy unique to Kathmandu valley.
I (Salonika) have been born and raised in Kathmandu, the traditional land of the Newa community. I am a part of the settler culture that has occupied the lands of the Newa people, and is responsible for a lot of changes and erasures of traditions of the group. As most people of the settler culture, I grew up with little recognition and consciousness of settler-colonial culture, or the appreciation of indigenous practices. Nevertheless, I have had the opportunity to grow up surrounded by values of the community.
Where are you located?
We are located in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The capital city Kathmandu is the political, commercial, and cultural hub of Nepal. Kathmandu once was the center of ancient trade route connections between the Indian subcontinent and Tibetan autonomous region and China.
It is believed that Kathmandu valley once was a big pond. The Mystical Kathmandu valley, as a remarkable legend says, was once a big lake until the Bodhisattva Manjushree raised his wisdom sword to slice a passage through the valley walls, draining the water and creating the first settlements.
In Kathmandu valley, Newa populations follow a mix of Hinduism and Buddhism (pre and post Lord Buddha). In fact there are many temples and rituals which can only be found in Kathmandu Valley. The coexistence and union of Hinduism and Buddhism with animist rituals and Tantrism are very unique and different. The connecting thread of Newa community is our shared culture and belief (each different within sub-cultural groups and castes) with the common language Nepal Bhasa (translation Nepal language). Religiously, Newa community follows mainly Buddhism, Hinduism, and also Islam, Christian and others. The multicultural community had been living in harmony with each other way before Nepal was unified.
Once, there used to be a saying that in Kathmandu there are more temples than homes. The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and beliefs which show the diversity and cultural tolerance and respect displaying historical and artistic masterpieces which the Kathmandu Valley is famous for. The seven world heritage sites of cultural importance include the three Durbar (Palace) Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu (‘Self-Existent One’) and Kasti Chaitya (Baudha) and the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath (Lord Shiva -Lord of all) and Changu Narayan (Double roofed Vishnu temple).
Kathmandu is an exotic and fascinating showcase of very rich culture, art, and tradition. Kathmandu valley is roughly an oval bowl surrounded by forested hills with terraced agriculture farming. Newas, the multi-ethnic people who settled in this remote Himalayan valley over the past two millennia are the indigenous inhabitants and the creators of the valley’s splendid community with a distinct language and cultural practice. The coexistence and union of Hinduism and Buddhism with animist rituals and Tantrism are very unique and different.
Besides these world heritage sites, Kathmandu Valley is composed of several Tangible and intangible monuments, buildings, and structures showcasing an exceptional testimony to the traditional culture of the Kathmandu Valley. These tangible and intangible heritages, knowledge, craft, art, and architecture are now a source of inspiration, knowledge center, wonder that attracts tourists, researchers, wanderers from around the world comes to witness and learn.
Kathmandu Valley consists of four major cities; Kathmandu (City of joy), Patan (City of craft), Bhaktapur (City of the devotee), and Kirtipur (City of the glory). These cities and many other historic towns and settlements in Kathmandu valley are synonymous with different Jatra (procession of god and goddess) and different festivals around the year associated with the natural cycle.
What’s the nature of your Community? Is it a land base, group of people, flora &/or fauna?
Newa is the indigenous community of Kathmandu. Newa is multi-ethnic people who settled in this remote Himalayan valley over the past two millennia are the indigenous inhabitants and the creators of the valley’s splendid culture with a distinct language and cultural practice. The practices of the Newa culture are based on celebrating the natural elements.
Does your Community have a strong identity or consciousness? What are the strengths or positive aspects of your Community? What makes you proud to be part of it?
Yes, Newa people have a strong identity with distinct culture and language. The Newa culture is a land-based culture. Their practices are based on the unique natural environment of the Kathmandu valley. These cultural practices, which evolved over the last two millennia, have helped the people survive on this land. On top of that, the culture is rich in both its tangible and intangible elements that represent it.
Given that Kathmandu Valley has been the economic and political center of Nepal since the unification of the country by Prithvi Narayan Shah, different elements of the Newa culture have been destroyed by the settler culture, and a lot of the Newa people have been assimilated into the dominant ideology. Nevertheless, there are certain areas within the Kathmandu Valley that retain most traditions and certain cultural elements still widely practiced by most Newa people (and even by some outside of the culture). The Newa still retains a collective culture within Kathmandu, as opposed to the settler cultures which are more individualist. On top of that, there have been occasions in which the Newa people have collectively risen up against major threats to their culture. For example, the Guthi Protests of 2019 forced the parliament to repeal a bill that threatened the Newa system of collective land holding. Similarly, the Newas in Bungmati region have been protesting against the construction of a road through their land and against the ongoing cultural assault for years now.
Does your Community have a vision for its future?
Kathmandu valley evolved from a day created as a prosperous self-sufficient city. First ruled by Lichchabi (called the Golden Age for the valley), Kathmandu Valley was then ruled by Malla kings who invested heavily in craft and art, temples, and courtyards that Kathmandu valley is famous for.
As a continuation of this, people of Kathmandu want Kathmandu to develop as a heritage city, a laid-back community that looks to preserve culture and heritage in its ancient form. Now, in Kathmandu valley, political movements are growing up. Local groups and activists have a strong presence in society and in social media to preserve tangible and intangible heritage.
Since the unification of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah, Kathmandu Valley has been the capital of the nation. Because of that, rampant moves towards “development” have destroyed the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Debates have followed the destruction of the ancient city. Locals have been continuously fighting against authorities who are destroying Kathmandu valley through road expansions, bus park, university or smart city. Once a fertile landscape, [Nepal] has now turned into a concrete city.
What problems or threats do you see to the health, welfare, or survival of your collective? How dire are these threats?
Newa developed a unique society with the craftsmanship of brick, stone, timber, and bronze in the world. After the unification of Nepal, the then king Prithvi Narayan Shah declared Kathmandu as the capital of the country. It has proven to be a bane for the Newa community. The decade-long civil war created an upsurge of migration in the city, which resulted in an unpleasant urban development. In no time, Kathmandu went from being a laid-back town to an unplanned city. Lands have been concretized, rivers polluted, and traditional irrigation systems destroyed.
In the 1960s, then king Mahendra introduced Mahendra mala in the national education system. It has favored Nepali language against all the indigenous languages and has led to a systemic destruction of the languages and cultures of ethnic groups of Nepal. Destruction of language is always the first step of genocide against a cultural group. The same method has been practiced in different areas of the world. Though Newa language survived this initial assault, a gradual decline in the language has been observed, as the young generation can hardly communicate in their native language.
This valley has a splendid culture with a distinct language and practice, unique communities with the craftsmanship of brick, stone, timber, and bronze, will alleys and courtyards, separate area for farming and residence, water system with ponds and Hiti (24-hour running water). Now, most of Hitis have dried and the water system is destroyed. The Temple complex and courtyard are turned into parking spaces. The government has been destroying this heritage and has destroyed this heritage in Kathmandu valley, the latest of which are plans to develop a satellite city.
These threats are very critical in destroying the heritage and culture of the Newa people as the Newa community is the thread of interconnecting sub commutes and different groups connecting cultural work.
What are the implications of the threats for the work you are doing? How are you addressing the threats to your community, as a community?
The Newa culture is one that worships nature. It was developed over a span of two thousand years of living in and learning from a landbase. Their practices are based on living in harmony with the land and the unique ecology of Kathmandu Valley. With the destruction of the Newa culture, we are experiencing a society detached from nature. The preservation of Newa culture is required not just to remind people of their connection with the land, but also to preserve the knowledge about living in Kathmandu Valley in particular.
As a community, there is unspoken love for Newa culture and identity. Many small groups and individuals are working to promote rich culture and language. But a systemic approach is required to preserve the community. With this notion, I have started documenting and showcasing Newa history and heritage (tangible and intangible) through heritage knowledge walks.
From my perspective I have joined different groups and informal groups. These world heritage sites are not only cultural icons but also major tourist attractions. As a community along with inter-community interaction there is a big need to make people outside of the community aware about importance especially youth and children. We are aware that now those settled are part of a greater community. As the capital city and economic center, to protect the beauty of Kathmandu valley as a community we must engage them in community activities, rituals and functions. For this beside community interaction and frustration we are prompting heritage knowledge walks, heritage discussion tours and training.
Are you finding challenges in a community approach to protection/resistance? Are there factors you can capitalize on to help your collective resist?
Given the penetration of the settler culture in the indigenous Newa community, it is getting more and more difficult to raise consciousness and organize the community. Assimilation of the Newa people to the settler culture and a gradual attack on the Newa language has further complicated the issue.
People have started teaching Newa language. Kathmandu metropolitan city has made it a rule to teach Newa language in schools, but it is yet to be implemented. We think this is the first step to preserve the culture and the communal sentiment of the traditional Newa community.
In what ways do you try to build/strengthen your Community?
Communication is key, also sharing knowledge. Long before we have tried to take tours around heritage sites of Kathmandu valley with more emphasis and sharing history which is not taught in schools. Reminding people of their roots is an important step. Also, there have been strong forms of resistance in certain parts of the Newa community against “development” projects that threaten the landbase. We use these sentiments as an inspiration to cultivate a similar mindset in other parts of the community.
What else would you like activists to learn about your community, and/or your work? How can others support you and your work?
We are in the process of losing one culture that has shaped the art, culture, and history of Nepal. Besides Mountains, Kathmandu and Newa culture are what symbolizes Nepal to the rest of the world.
We can do two actions to be aware of, pressure to preserve the culture and heritage of Kathmandu. Home of 4 million habitats.
- Bagmati Landscape and Diaries
- Heritage Promoters
- Heritage Guff (sharing)
The idea to fight back and to organize and be part of the grassroots movement requires hours of planning, networking, and training. Our work is a small part of that effort. We are focused on action research and visual learning along with visual and written documentation for local and global audiences. We invite anyone who is interested to come learn about the Newa community and Kathmandu Valley, and to build solidarity with those fighting similar struggles.
And how can they contact you?
Email:facesandplaces.np@gmail.com
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/heritagekathmandu
Communities that Protect and Resist 