Some dreams linger quietly in our hearts, waiting for the right moment to come alive. For me, this documentary, The Last Guardians of Yanjakot, is that dream. It’s more than a film; it’s a tribute to a way of life that’s disappearing before our eyes.
Yanjakot, a small, serene village tucked in the hills of Nepal, holds a culture so rich yet so fragile. Through this project, I hope to preserve the stories, traditions, and memories of the elders who have safeguarded this heritage for generations. Their voices, laughter, and wisdom are treasures that deserve to be heard—not just today but decades from now.
The journey to create this 70-minute documentary is long and uncertain. Editing alone may take months, maybe even years. But I’m determined to see it through. It’s my dream project, a labor of love, and something deeply personal. I want to ensure these stories don’t fade away with time.
Someday, when I’m old, I want to sit with my children, and perhaps even my grandchildren, and show them this film. I want them to see the roots of our shared heritage, to understand that while I didn’t come from the Yanjakot community, this is all part of Nepal—a nation that feels like one big village.
I’m not doing this for fame or views. To be honest, I have no expectations that this will reach thousands of people. But that’s okay. What matters is that I’m following my heart and creating something meaningful that might inspire even a few people to appreciate the beauty of life, our past, and the roots we come from.
This is my way of saying thank you to the elders, to the culture, and to this moment in time. A small attempt to ensure that even as the world changes, we remember where we come from and carry that with pride and gratitude.
Thank you for being part of this journey, whether you’re watching, sharing, or simply reading this. I hope it leaves you with a smile and a sense of appreciation for the beauty of life, just as it has for me.
In the serene hills of Nepal, where the air carries the whispers of age-old traditions, lies the enchanting cultural treasure of the Gurung community—the Ghatu song. This isn’t just a melody; it’s a living piece of history, a vibrant echo of Nepal’s rich heritage.
Recently, I had the privilege of capturing a heartwarming moment with an elderly gentleman from the Gurung community. He sang an old Ghatu song, its words weaving a tale of joy, culture, and community spirit. While the language of the song may be unfamiliar to many, the emotions it carries transcend linguistic barriers.
The Ghatu tradition is more than just music—it’s a celebration. Historically performed during social gatherings, this unique art form brings people together, fostering a sense of belonging and harmony. Accompanied by traditional dances, these songs embody the playful, vibrant spirit of the past.
For me, listening to the Ghatu song felt like stepping back in time. It painted vivid pictures of how life used to be—simple, joyful, and deeply connected to nature and community. The elderly man’s performance wasn’t just a song; it was a testament to the enduring beauty of Nepal’s traditions.
As we work to preserve such treasures, I am reminded of the importance of these cultural legacies. They teach us where we come from, enrich our present, and provide invaluable lessons for the future. Sharing this story is my small step toward keeping the flame of Nepal’s heritage alive.
Take a moment to immerse yourself in the magic of the Ghatu song and let it transport you to a world where culture thrives, and stories come alive.
For a long time, I had dreamed of exploring the beauty of Nepal, capturing its diverse moments, and embarking on a unique project called “Katha Hijo Ko.” This journey took me to the eastern parts of Nepal, from the picturesque Pokhara to the bustling Kakarbhitta, all while riding my trusty scooter. My goal was to find sponsors for my project, but little did I know that this adventure would turn into an unforgettable chapter of life.
Our team at Katha Hijo Ko initiated this incredible journey, covering a minimum of 100 kilometers every day. Our mission was to interview the people we met along the way, and this routine continued for 18 days straight.
One morning, as we were en route to our next destination, we stumbled upon a humble hut and a man who would become an unexpected guest for our interview. He graciously agreed to share his story with us, and what followed was a life-changing experience that we had not planned for.
In our conversation with him, he recounted his past experiences, including his time as a laborer on the East to West Highway, one of the longest highways in Nepal. He also shared anecdotes about meeting the King during a program and the inauguration of the road. It’s hard to believe that he used to earn just Rs. 500 per year during his laborer days. While he may not possess much at the moment, his contentment with life is truly inspiring.
He married at a young age, around 18, and his bride was four years his junior. Despite their youth, their love story was a testament to the power of love. Their parents agreed to the union, and she remained by his side until her passing, just four months before our interview in 2020.
To discover the full depth of this remarkable man’s life journey, we invite you to watch the video. Stay tuned as the full video will be coming soon.
As the leaves begin to change and the cool breeze sweeps through Nepal, we know that Dashain and Tihar are just around the corner. These vibrant festivals hold a special place in our hearts and have been celebrated with immense joy and tradition for generations.
📜 Why Celebrate Our Festivals? 📜
Dashain and Tihar are more than just festivals; they are a testament to the resilience of our culture, our bonds with family, and the memories that connect us across generations. In these times of rapid change, it’s vital that we preserve the traditions and stories that have made us who we are.
💡 Our Mission: Preserve and Inspire 💡
At Katha Hijo Ko, we’re on a mission to capture these incredible stories, preserve our cultural history, and inspire the younger generation. We want to learn from our elders, experience their memories, and ensure that these rich traditions are passed on.
🎥 Share Your Memories 🎥
Do you have cherished memories of Dashain and Tihar celebrations from the past? We invite you to share your stories through videos. We’re looking for heartfelt accounts of how these festivals used to be celebrated, what kind of food was prepared, and how families came together, even when distances seemed insurmountable. It’s a chance to learn from our elders and make sure their memories live on.
🏆 Join the Dashain and Tihar Video Contest 🏆
As part of our efforts, we’re hosting the Dashain and Tihar Video Contest. Capture your elders’ recollections in a video, up to (unlimited) minutes, in the highest quality possible. During the video, ask questions like:
-How was Dashain celebrated in the past?
-What are the differences between then and now?
-What do they miss most from the past celebrations?
You can participate by either:
Filling out our submission form [link], where you can upload your video and any accompanying photos.
Uploading your video in high quality to Google Drive and sending us the link. (kathahijoko@gmail.com)
Directly uploading your video file through the provided form.
🌠 Win Prizes and Support 🌠
Three lucky participants will be randomly selected to receive support worth 3,000 NPR (Nepalese Rupees) each for the guests they interviewed. This support will go toward ensuring that the guest has a wonderful time during the Dashain and Tihar festivals.
🌏 Join Us in Preserving Traditions 🌏
Dashain and Tihar aren’t just festivals; they’re a celebration of our cultural heritage. By participating in the Dashain and Tihar Video Contest, you’ll be contributing to the preservation of these cherished memories.
We can’t wait to see your heartfelt videos and hear the stories that have been passed down through the years. Let’s keep these traditions alive together!
a Sample
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