Heritage painting campaign on the empty walls of Birendranagar

By Our Correspondent,Surkhet, Sept. 26: An art campaign aimed at cultivating a sense of cultural and heritage identity on the vacant walls of Birendranagar's market area in Surkhet, the capital of Karnali Province, has been launched.

 The Nepal Commercial Artists Association, an organisation comprising artists from Birendranagar, is leading this endeavour. The first painting is made of Kakrebihar and Lakhey. Subhas Kumar Shakya, a central member of Nepal Commercial Artists Association, said that artworks representing the archaeological and historical sites of Kakrebihar and Lakhey are depicted on the house walls at Neta Chowk.

 This initiative, which began in Birendranagar market, is planned to expand throughout the district and the entire province, he added. Their primary motivation is to preserve fading cultural and heritage elements through visual art.

 Shakya said that they plan to depict tourist attractions in Karnali such as Rara Lake, Shey Phoksundo, Kubinde Daha, Pancha Koshi, and Pachal Jharana by drawing inspiration from various locations.  This initiative serves the dual purpose of celebrating heritage and culture while enhancing the aesthetics of bare walls. Several supporting organisations have contributed to the creation of these murals.

Shakya emphasised that local authorities and the Ministry of Tourism at the local level can offer assistance and coordination, as promoting tourism is part of their responsibilities. The artwork will grace the entrance to Birendranagar, reinforcing the region's cultural heritage and identity.

Suraj Lamgade, secretary of the Commercial Artists Association, is optimistic that this heritage mural campaign will facilitate a deeper connection between the new generation and their heritage. 

The campaign commenced in Birendranagar with the slogan ‘City of Culture and Heritage, Our Birendranagar.’ 

The enthusiastic response from across the board has further fueled their excitement for this endeavour to adorn empty walls with heritage-inspired artworks.