KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 15
The Sherpa Tourism Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (STEAN) organized a special Gyalpo Losar event in Kathmandu today.
The event was attended by Minister for Culture, tourism and Civil aviation , Sudan Kirati as a chief guest.
During the event, Minister Kirati highlighted that the Lhosar festival isn’t just a New Year celebration but also holds historical significance dating back to ancient times.
‘The Sherpas, who have gained worldwide fame through mountain climbing, should also be celebrated for their native culture and arts,’ the minister said while adding, ‘Sherpas are the pride of Nepal and the flower of the mountains.’
Addressing the gathering, the president of the association, Sonam Sherpa (Sangam), emphasized the importance of strengthening and enhancing the effectiveness of the Sherpa Tourism Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal. He also underscored that the association was established to foster quality and sustainable tourism in alignment with contemporary needs and business acumen.
During the same program, President Sherpa presented a list of institutional demands to Minister Kirati to bolster the association’s strength and effectiveness which included creating a conducive environment for record holding Sherpas to live in Nepal with respect, developing infrastructure to accommodate millions of tourists, investing in organic agriculture (Agricultural Policy, 2074), providing special tax and interest rate incentives to entrepreneurs, and ensuring free education and employment opportunities for children of mountain climbers.
Additionally, incorporating organic agriculture into the curriculum, arranging and operating helicopters by the government itself for emergency rescue, and not implementing the increased charges for Everest climbing were also included in the demands.
The special Losar program, held at Bouddha Heritage, Pipalbot, aimed to promote traditional Sherpa culture. It featured Sherpa Syabru dances, various traditional artifacts, and cultural presentations.
The program was supported by Nepal Tourism Board and other tourism related organisations, according to Pasang Sherpa, treasurer of STEAN.
