No ban on climbing Himalayas including Everest: MoCTCA

No ban on climbing Himalayas including Everest: MoCTCA

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation(MoCTCA) issuing a press statement on March 18, 2008 denied the claim that it has suspended the mountaineering expedition to Mt. Everest saying that the dissemination of false information quoting the ministry in this issue has drawn the attention of MoCTCA. MoCTCA in its press statement said that the Ministry has not banned climbing expedition on Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks and the policy related to mountaineering expeditions has remained same as previous. Issuing the press statement, Spokesperson of MoCTCA, Joint Secretary Mr. Prem Kumar Rai has requested all media to contact spokesperson of the ministry for the fact before disseminating the information concerning with the Ministry.

Eco Everest Expedition 2008

Eco Everest Expedition 2008

The Eco Everest Expedition 2008 is being organised on the occasion of Silver jubilee of ICIMOD with an aim of attracting the attention of the global community to the problems of melting glaciers due to climate change, to the threats posed to local community and infrastructure due to GLOFs and raising the awareness of environment conservation of fragile mountain ecosystem. The specific objectives of the Eco-expedition are: * To draw the world's attention on rapid melting of glaciers by conducting field research and investigations and organising special events in close partnership with relevant stakeholders and working closely with national and international media. * To sensitise the local community in building their capacity for reducing the risks of potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods to the local people, infrastructure and fragile environment in the Everest region. The expedition will depart from Kathmandu on the 6th of April 2008 on a 62 days long campaign in the region. The Eco Everest Expedition will be led by Dawa Steven Sherpa of Nepal who climbed Everest in the Spring of 2007. The expedition will be joined by the famous Japanese climber and alpinist Ken Noguchi in the base camp in the Nepalese side. In addition, Eco Everest Expedition 2008 will draw other internationally renowned Everest summiteers. In tandem with climbing expedition, there will be a scientific expedition consisting of detailed field investigations to study the climate change impacts on the glaciers, glacial lakes and risk posed by potential dangerous lakes. Special events will be organised working closely with national and international media to raise the awareness of climate change impact in the Himalaya. Efforts will be made to involve local organisations and community. Through the expedition it also intends to raise funds to build the capacity of local community for monitoring and early warning of potential GLOFs. Eco Everest Expedition will try and attract other like-minded organisations and individuals including the private sectors for contributions to form a broader coalition in the partnership.

"Nepal Tourism" Fascinates Members of the European Parliament

"Nepal Tourism" Fascinates Members of the European Parliament

Organized by the Nepal Embassy- Brussels and facilitated by the Friends of Nepal Group in the European Parliament, "The Nepal for all Seasons" program was held on 03 March 2008 at the main parliament building of the European Union in the city of Brussels, Belgium. This was a first ever event of Nepal Tourism Board organized in this premise. The head of the Nepal delegation, Mr. Leela Mani Paudyal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation welcomed the Members of the European Parliament and other dignitaries attending the program. In his brief address, Secretary Paudyal appraised the guests about the current political situation in the country and lauded the European Parliament and European Union for their support and cooperation received during the democratic movement followed by the peace process of Nepal. The Secretary expressed hope that the European Parliament would continue to extend its support to assist in the building of a prosperous, harmonious and inclusive Nepal. He urged European friends to help promote tourism in Nepal which he claimed would help sustaining peace by creating employment opportunities in a relatively short period of time. The chief guest, Mrs. Neena Gill, MEP, and chairperson, Friends of Nepal in European Parliament expressed great happiness at the positive developments in Nepal and was confident that with peace and stability tourism will see great progress. Presenting Naturally Nepal - Nepal for all Seasons Ms Nandini Lahe Thapa, Director of NTB highlighted the major tourism attractions of Nepal and explained the vital role played by the tourism in Nepal's economy. The program was perceived as thoroughly enjoyed by the attending dignitaries. More than a dozen senior members of European parliament, Director and Deputy Director of South Asia division of European commission, journalists and high ranking officials from both the European Parliament and Commission were present on the occasion. Ambassador (designate) of Nepal to European Union, Mr. Pramesh K Hamal and other officials from the Embassy were also present on the occasion. The Friends of Nepal Group in European Parliament is a platform of members of European parliament representing different countries to share ideas and information and to promote the larger interest of Nepal and the European Union.

Nepal participated TTAA International Travel Fair

Nepal participated TTAA International Travel Fair
Kathmandu
3/6/2008

Nepal participated TTAA International Travel Fair Nepal Tourism Board in coordination with Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Nepal Airlines Corporation and Nepalese Travel Trade participated in the TTAA International Travel Fair held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand. The fair was organized from February 28 to March 2, 2008 by Thai Travel Agents' Association and featured 300-plus stalls representing NT0s, travel agencies, Airlines and others. The Nepal stall carried twin themes of Spiritual Tourism (Lumbini and Buddhism in particular) and Leisure and Adventure (Pokhara and adventure-based activities). The participating companies in Nepal stall were Highlander Trekking & Expeditions and Zenith Experience Travel Services. The representatives of Marketing of Sustainable Tourism (MAST – Nepal) project also participated in the fair.
The fair is estimated to have visited by 200000 plus general public. A fair deal of awareness and interest on Nepal already existed amongst many of the visitors, with Lumbini and Mount Everest being the icons mostly contributing to this awareness. NTB, amongst the themes identified by its brand campaign "Unleash Yourself ..Naturally Nepal – Once Is Not Enough," has been focusing on South East Asian Markets in general and Thailand in particular with various Lifetime Experiences and Amazing Adventure packages.
However, security and mobility concerns still remain a priority issue to the Thais seeking to travel here. There were many queries on accessibility options too. Though there were only two private sector entities represented in the Nepal Stall, they were visibly optimistic of generating further sales out of this participation. At the same time, there is a need for Nepal specialist tour operators based in Thailand to actively participate in TTAA offering special offers for consumers. The fair contributed to propagating destination awareness further amongst the consumers and for the private sector agencies in forging business alliances with the Bangkok based tour operators.
In conjunction with the fair, Nepalese embassy in cooperation with Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents and Nepal Airlines Corporation organized a Nepal Evening on 28th February 2008 with a view to interact with the local travel trade entrepreneurs and media. In the program attended by the local travel trade, media personnel and Nepalese based in Bangkok, renowned mountaineer Mr. Ang Rita Sherpa, who has summited Mt. Everest ten times without resorting to bottled oxygen, was felicitated. An audio-visual presentation on Tourism in Nepal was appreciated by all present. Likewise, a comprehensive documentary on Mr. Ang Rita Sherpa was also screened and succeeded in generating rave reviews.

"Nepal Tourism" Fascinates Members of the European Parliament

"Nepal Tourism" Fascinates Members of the European Parliament

Organized by the Nepal Embassy- Brussels and facilitated by the Friends of Nepal Group in the European Parliament, "The Nepal for all Seasons" program was held on 03 March 2008 at the main parliament building of the European Union in the city of Brussels, Belgium. This was a first ever event of Nepal Tourism Board organized in this premise. The head of the Nepal delegation, Mr. Leela Mani Paudyal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation welcomed the Members of the European Parliament and other dignitaries attending the program.In his brief address, Secretary Paudyal appraised the guests about the current political situation in the country and lauded the European Parliament and European Union for their support and cooperation received during the democratic movement followed by the peace process of Nepal. The Secretary expressed hope that the European Parliament would continue to extend its support to assist in the building of a prosperous, harmonious and inclusive Nepal. He urged European friends to help promote tourism in Nepal which he claimed would help sustaining peace by creating employment opportunities in a relatively short period of time.The chief guest, Mrs. Neena Gill, MEP, and chairperson, Friends of Nepal in European Parliament expressed great happiness at the positive developments in Nepal and was confident that with peace and stability tourism will see great progress. Presenting Naturally Nepal - Nepal for all Seasons Ms Nandini Lahe Thapa, Director of NTB highlighted the major tourism attractions of Nepal and explained the vital role played by the tourism in Nepal's economy. The program was perceived as thoroughly enjoyed by the attending dignitaries. More than a dozen senior members of European parliament, Director and Deputy Director of South Asia division of European commission, journalists and high ranking officials from both the European Parliament and Commission were present on the occasion. Ambassador (designate) of Nepal to European Union, Mr. Pramesh K Hamal and other officials from the Embassy were also present on the occasion.The Friends of Nepal Group in European Parliament is a platform of members of European parliament representing different countries to share ideas and information and to promote the larger interest of Nepal and the European Union.

Mahashivaratri Festival

Mahashivaratri Festival

Mahashivaratri Festival or the ‘The Night of Shiva’ is celebrated with devotion and religious fervor in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the deities of Hindu Trinity. Shivaratri falls on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun, which corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar. Celebrating the festival of Shivaratri devotees observe day and night fast and perform ritual worship of Shiva Lingam to appease Lord Shiva.

Legends of Mahashivratri
There are various interesting legends related to the festival of Maha Shivaratri. According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Some believe that it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction. Another popular Shivratri legend stated in Linga Purana states that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva devotees and they celebrate it as Mahashivaratri - the grand night of Shiva.

Traditions and Customs of Shivaratri
Various traditions and customs related to Shivaratri Festival are dutifully followed by the worshippers of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe strict fast in honor of Shiva, though many go on a diet of fruits and milk some do not consume even a drop of water. Devotees strongly believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri, absolves a person of sins and liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. Shivaratri is considered especially auspicious for women. While married women pray for the well being of their husbands unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the ideal husband.

To mark the Shivratri festival, devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath, preferably in river Ganga. After wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest Shiva temple to give ritual bath to the Shiva Lingum with milk, honey, water etc.

On Shivaratri, worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the day and night. Every three hours priests perform ritual pooja of Shivalingam by bathing it with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water amidst the chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya’ and ringing of temple bells. Nightlong vigil or jaagran is also observed in Shiva temples where large number of devotees spend the night singing hymns and devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva. It is only on the following morning that devotee break their fast by partaking prasad offered to the deity.