Pokhara - In the old market of Bandipur, Tanahun, the streets are alive with the sounds and smells of rural Nepal. Tilmaya Gurung, from Kaulepani village in Lamjung, greets visitors by placing a hand-woven thread around their necks. Attached to the thread is a small souvenir made of fiber from grass found right around her home.

"Please come to Kaulepani village," Tilmaya says with a smile. "This is your invitation."

This traditional gift was once given by young women to men during "Rodhi" cultural gatherings as a sign of protection. Today, Tilmaya and her neighbors use it to welcome and bid farewell to guests at their home-stays.

A Taste of Village Life

The Village Tourism Mart, organized by the Nepal Tourism Board in collaboration with the Bandipur Rural Municipality and the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Nepal, has brought together operators from nearly two dozen home-stays across Gandaki Province.

The stalls are filled with local treasures:

• Kaulepani, Lamjung: Shanti Gurung offers visitors local chicken, organic vegetables, and traditional homemade "Tinpane" drink. Their village can host up to 90 guests across 15 houses.
• Tangting, Kaski: Known for their hospitality since 2010, the women of Tangting are selling unique items like "Kimchi" made from wild ferns and nettles. They also display hand-made hats and bags made from Allo (Himalayan nettle).
• Sikkles, Kaski: This popular village is promoting local products like dried greens (Gundruk), beans, and soybeans.
• Keshavtar, Tanahun: Sisters from this community are busy selling fresh wild ferns to the crowds.
• Piprahar, Nawalpur: Manager Dol Bahadur Mahato invites tourists to experience Tharu, Gurung, and Magar cultural dances alongside exciting jungle safaris.

Connecting Villages to Cities

The mart serves as a bridge between rural communities and urban tourists. Operators from distant places like Odar in Manang and Thakali home-stays in Mustang are handing out contact cards, urging travelers to visit the mountains.

The event is not just about selling products but also about sharing experiences. Tourism leaders and government officials gathered to discuss how to preserve local culture while using tourism to boost the rural economy.

Government Support and Future Plans

During the opening ceremony, Gandaki Province Tourism Minister Yashoda Rimal emphasized that tourism is the key to making villages strong and prosperous. "We must connect local communities directly with tourism," she stated.

Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, noted that such marts help home-stay operators become more professional. Bandipur Rural Municipality Chairman Surendra Bahadur Thapa also highlighted the "Village Safari" initiative, which helps link different rural tourism circuits together.

As the event in Bandipur concludes, the focus shifts to next year. Bandipur officially handed over the festival flag to Gorkha Municipality, which will host the Village Tourism Mart in 2027.