First Mustang Fiesta

Promoting Tourism, Culture, and Heritage of Mustang

Executive Summary
Mustang Fiesta: Bringing Mustang to Kathmandu, organized with the objectives of promoting and celebrating the tangible and intangible heritage, culture, and traditions of the Mustang Region, has successfully fulfilled its mission. The festival not only raised awareness about the cultural diversity, art, culture, and way of life of Mustang but also provided a platform for engaging visitors and locals in the rich cultural and artistic expressions of the region. The event was a big success drawing an audience of over 2000 attendees in 2 days. The festival was able to sale 1300 tickets in 2 days. In the first day the primary gate from Tusal received 919 visitors whereas the secondary gate from Hyatt received 58 visitors. Similarly, in second day the primary gate received 934 visitors and secondary gate received 36 visitors.

Introduction
The first Mustang Fiesta: Bringing Mustang to Kathmandu took place on February 2-3, 2024 at Taragaon Next, Boudha Road.The event was graced by Namdul Gurung, Parliament Member of Gandaki Province, as the chief guest, accompanied by four Mayors from rural municipalities in Mustang. Special guest Garrett E. Wilkerson, Public Affairs Chief at the Embassy of the United States of America, added to the event’s prestige. The Embassy of the United States, along with generous support from various organizations, played a crucial role in materializing this event.

Notable contributors included Taragaon Next, providing the venue free of cost, WWF Nepal, Likche Korala Export Import Pvt. Ltd, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Heritage Circle Pvt. Ltd, Gate College, Sowa Rigpa International College, Prabhu Bank (Mustang), Namgyal Monastery, Nyiphuk Monastery, Jigme Foundation, Baragaon Loto Chodun Sewa Samaj, Chhoser Art, Davu Gallery, Hotel Tibet, Tokyi Guest House, Mustang Trail Race, Uturn, Chimley Orchards, Mt. Fuji Snooker &Restaurant,Vajra Print, Sagarmatha television, and numerous private individuals. Their collective support made the event a resounding success.
There event featured 18 stalls offering a diverse range of food & beverage as well as handicraft stalls. Local products included Marpha Brandy, Marpha Apple, Dry Apple, Seabuckthrone juice, dry meat of Yak, Lentils from Mustang, Phapar (Buckwheet) flour, leather bags, carpets, woolen blanket, jewelry, handloom and clothes from Mustang, Jimbu, Marpha apple pickle, Marpha Timur (red pepper), Mustang Alu (potato), Incense, Timur ko Chhop (mixture of spices and red pepper), Local food of mustang, bread, khapse, pancake, and many more. To enhance engagement, traditional hand loom demonstration was also featured.

Furthermore, the event hosted an art exhibition featuring 50 artworks by eight Mustang artists: Shashi Dhoj Tulachan, Dawa Thulung, Tsering Phonjo Gurung, Sunil Gurung, Khawa Tsering Gurung, Tsering Duky Bista, Dukdak, and Chime Wangyal Gurung. The exhibition displayed a diverse range of fine art, traditional thangka art, and digital art, along with cultural objects and local costume and jewelry, natural colors, grains, bow and arrows, slings, horse saddle, saligram, sheep wool, and threading process. This diverse display provided a comprehensive glimpse into the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Mustang.

Similarly, the event featured nine documentaries on Mustang at regular interval.
1. Tiji: A prayer for world peace
2. Step on the Glacier
3. The poplers tree
4. Shilung
5. Wind of Death
6. Lo-Mustang Welfare Trust
7. Caves of Mustang
8. Wedding of Mustang
9. Photo slide show about apple farm Tangya Village
Altogether 55 performances were presented during the event, with 20 performances on the first day and 35 performances on the second day. The performances were from various regions of Mustang, included 12 from Chhoser, 13 from Lo-manthang. 8 from Charang, 2 from Tetang, 2 from Dhakarjong, and 3 from Chhairo. The lineup included 10 songs, 3 Tibetan dances, 1 Sherpa dance and a Lama dance. Live performances were given by the Mother’s group, featuring folk dances, blessing songs and other captivating performances, with a total of 127 artists participating in the event.

The fiesta garnered extensive coverage from local Media, including Himalayan Television, Sagarmatha Television, Janata Television, Yo ho Television, Des Sanchar Television, Corporative Nepal, Himalayandaily.com, Nepal Hearts, and Youta Indigenous Media. The event attracted a diverse audience, predominantly comprising locals from Mustang residing in Kathmandu Valley, residents of the Boudha area, as well as youth and some tourists.

A total of 55 human resources were actively involved each day, with a dedicated team that included 35 volunteers, 4 security personnel, 4 cleaners, 2 curators, 7 members of the core event team, and 2 emcees. The production and completion of the event required approximately 45 hours. To ensure seamless execution, volunteers underwent a 2-hour orientation on January 28, 2024, conducted by the event team. The orientation covered essential aspects such as crowd management, providing directional guidance for visitors, offering backstage support, and other relevant training to enhance the overall event experience.

List of Dignitaries
1. Parliament Member of Gandaki Province: Namdul Gurung (Chief Guest)
2. Lo-manthang Rural Municipality: Tash Norbu (Mayor)
3. Lo-Gegar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality: Raju Bista
4. Baragaun Mukti Chhetre Rural Municipality: Rinjin Namgyel Gurung
5. Garapjhong Rural Municipality: Mohan Singh Lal Chan
6. Country representative of WWF Nepal: Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung
7. Amche Tenzing Darke (Traditional Medicine Doctor)
8. H.E. Chogye Trichen Rinpoche Paljor from Jamchen Lhakhang
9. Khem Lakhai from GATE College
10. Dr Piya Ratna Maharjan from Interfaith Peace Federation Nepal
11. Linira Bajracharya, Pradip Lama (Singer)
12. Khembu Jorden from International Buddhist Association
13. Director of Jigme foundation: Yanchen Dolkar Lowa
14. Chewang Bista from Jigme Foundation
15. Khempo Tashi Woser from Shangpa Foundation
16. Subarna Kumar Bista previous Mayor from Lo-manthang Rural Municipality

Stall List
1. Namjo Gurung (local food product)
2. Tsering Phonjo Gurung (Choser Arts)
3. Sangmo Gurung (Pangden Shop)
4. Gate Global College (Khem Lakhai)
5. Sowa Rigpa International College (Amchi Tenzin Darkey)
6. Tsering Youten ( Lo-Choser Guest House)
7. Nyima Dolkar Gurung (Nyima Shop)
8. Kalden Sangmo Gurung (Jomsom Falful Pasal
9. Lhakpa Wangden Gurung (Wooden Handmade Shop)
10. Choden Gurung (Yangkhyil handicraft)
11. Lakpa Gurung (Himalayan Khapse)
12. Chime Gurung (Baker mates)
13. Yonten Gurung (Chimley Orchards)
14. White Yak
15. Laxmi Gurung (Local Restaurant)
16. Tashi Lhamo Gurung (Tashi Lhamo Shop)
17. Nyima Wangdi Gurung (Mount Fuji Hotel)
18. Lo-Musang Welfare Trust

Media
1. Himalayan Television
2. Sagarmatha Television
3. Janata Television
4. Yo ho Television
5. Des Sanchar Television
6. Corporative Nepal
7. Himalayandaily.com
8. Nepal Hearts

Artist List
1. Shashi Dhoj Tulachan
2. Dawa Thulung
3. Tsering Phonjo Gurung
4. Sunil Gurung
5. Khawa Tsering Gurung
6. Tsering Duky Bista
7. Dukdak
8. Chime Wangyal Gurung

Executive Summary
Mustang Fiesta: Bringing Mustang to Kathmandu, organized with the objectives of promoting and celebrating the tangible and intangible heritage, culture, and traditions of the Mustang Region, has successfully fulfilled its mission. The festival not only raised awareness about the cultural diversity, art, culture, and way of life of Mustang but also provided a platform for engaging visitors and locals in the rich cultural and artistic expressions of the region. The event was a big success drawing an audience of over 2000 attendees in 2 days. The festival was able to sale 1300 tickets in 2 days. In the first day the primary gate from Tusal received 919 visitors whereas the secondary gate from Hyatt received 58 visitors. Similarly, in second day the primary gate received 934 visitors and secondary gate received 36 visitors.
Introduction
The first Mustang Fiesta: Bringing Mustang to Kathmandu took place on February 2-3, 2024 at Taragaon Next, Boudha Road.The event was graced by Namdul Gurung, Parliament Member of Gandaki Province, as the chief guest, accompanied by four Mayors from rural municipalities in Mustang. Special guest Garrett E. Wilkerson, Public Affairs Chief at the Embassy of the United States of America, added to the event’s prestige. The Embassy of the United States, along with generous support from various organizations, played a crucial role in materializing this event.
Notable contributors included Taragaon Next, providing the venue free of cost, WWF Nepal, Likche Korala Export Import Pvt. Ltd, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Heritage Circle Pvt. Ltd, Gate College, Sowa Rigpa International College, Prabhu Bank (Mustang), Namgyal Monastery, Nyiphuk Monastery, Jigme Foundation, Baragaon Loto Chodun Sewa Samaj, Chhoser Art, Davu Gallery, Hotel Tibet, Tokyi Guest House, Mustang Trail Race, Uturn, Chimley Orchards, Mt. Fuji Snooker &Restaurant,Vajra Print, Sagarmatha television, and numerous private individuals. Their collective support made the event a resounding success.
There event featured 18 stalls offering a diverse range of food & beverage as well as handicraft stalls. Local products included Marpha Brandy, Marpha Apple, Dry Apple, Seabuckthrone juice, dry meat of Yak, Lentils from Mustang, Phapar (Buckwheet) flour, leather bags, carpets, woolen blanket, jewelry, handloom and clothes from Mustang, Jimbu, Marpha apple pickle, Marpha Timur (red pepper), Mustang Alu (potato), Incense, Timur ko Chhop (mixture of spices and red pepper), Local food of mustang, bread, khapse, pancake, and many more. To enhance engagement, traditional hand loom demonstration was also featured.

Furthermore, the event hosted an art exhibition featuring 50 artworks by eight Mustang artists: Shashi Dhoj Tulachan, Dawa Thulung, Tsering Phonjo Gurung, Sunil Gurung, Khawa Tsering Gurung, Tsering Duky Bista, Dukdak, and Chime Wangyal Gurung. The exhibition displayed a diverse range of fine art, traditional thangka art, and digital art, along with cultural objects and local costume and jewelry, natural colors, grains, bow and arrows, slings, horse saddle, saligram, sheep wool, and threading process. This diverse display provided a comprehensive glimpse into the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Mustang.

Similarly, the event featured nine documentaries on Mustang at regular interval.
1. Tiji: A prayer for world peace
2. Step on the Glacier
3. The poplers tree
4. Shilung
5. Wind of Death
6. Lo-Mustang Welfare Trust
7. Caves of Mustang
8. Wedding of Mustang
9. Photo slide show about apple farm Tangya Village

Altogether 55 performances were presented during the event, with 20 performances on the first day and 35 performances on the second day. The performances were from various regions of Mustang, included 12 from Chhoser, 13 from Lo-manthang. 8 from Charang, 2 from Tetang, 2 from Dhakarjong, and 3 from Chhairo. The lineup included 10 songs, 3 Tibetan dances, 1 Sherpa dance and a Lama dance. Live performances were given by the Mother’s group, featuring folk dances, blessing songs and other captivating performances, with a total of 127 artists participating in the event.

The fiesta garnered extensive coverage from local Media, including Himalayan Television, Sagarmatha Television, Janata Television, Yo ho Television, Des Sanchar Television, Corporative Nepal, Himalayandaily.com, Nepal Hearts, and Youta Indigenous Media. The event attracted a diverse audience, predominantly comprising locals from Mustang residing in Kathmandu Valley, residents of the Boudha area, as well as youth and some tourists.

A total of 55 human resources were actively involved each day, with a dedicated team that included 35 volunteers, 4 security personnel, 4 cleaners, 2 curators, 7 members of the core event team, and 2 emcees. The production and completion of the event required approximately 45 hours. To ensure seamless execution, volunteers underwent a 2-hour orientation on January 28, 2024, conducted by the event team. The orientation covered essential aspects such as crowd management, providing directional guidance for visitors, offering backstage support, and other relevant training to enhance the overall event experience.

List of Dignitaries
1. Parliament Member of Gandaki Province: Namdul Gurung (Chief Guest)
2. Lo-manthang Rural Municipality: Tash Norbu (Mayor)
3. Lo-Gegar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipality: Raju Bista
4. Baragaun Mukti Chhetre Rural Municipality: Rinjin Namgyel Gurung
5. Garapjhong Rural Municipality: Mohan Singh Lal Chan
6. Country representative of WWF Nepal: Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung
7. Amche Tenzing Darke (Traditional Medicine Doctor)
8. H.E. Chogye Trichen Rinpoche Paljor from Jamchen Lhakhang
9. Khem Lakhai from GATE College
10. Dr Piya Ratna Maharjan from Interfaith Peace Federation Nepal
11. Linira Bajracharya, Pradip Lama (Singer)
12. Khembu Jorden from International Buddhist Association
13. Director of Jigme foundation: Yanchen Dolkar Lowa
14. Chewang Bista from Jigme Foundation
15. Khempo Tashi Woser from Shangpa Foundation
16. Subarna Kumar Bista previous Mayor from Lo-manthang Rural Municipality

Stall List
1. Namjo Gurung (local food product)
2. Tsering Phonjo Gurung (Choser Arts)
3. Sangmo Gurung (Pangden Shop)
4. Gate Global College (Khem Lakhai)
5. Sowa Rigpa International College (Amchi Tenzin Darkey)
6. Tsering Youten ( Lo-Choser Guest House)
7. Nyima Dolkar Gurung (Nyima Shop)
8. Kalden Sangmo Gurung (Jomsom Falful Pasal
9. Lhakpa Wangden Gurung (Wooden Handmade Shop)
10. Choden Gurung (Yangkhyil handicraft)
11. Lakpa Gurung (Himalayan Khapse)
12. Chime Gurung (Baker mates)
13. Yonten Gurung (Chimley Orchards)
14. White Yak
15. Laxmi Gurung (Local Restaurant)
16. Tashi Lhamo Gurung (Tashi Lhamo Shop)
17. Nyima Wangdi Gurung (Mount Fuji Hotel)
18. Lo-Musang Welfare Trust

Media
1. Himalayan Television
2. Sagarmatha Television
3. Janata Television
4. Yo ho Television
5. Des Sanchar Television
6. Corporative Nepal
7. Himalayandaily.com
8. Nepal Hearts
Artist List
1. Shashi Dhoj Tulachan
2. Dawa Thulung
3. Tsering Phonjo Gurung
4. Sunil Gurung
5. Khawa Tsering Gurung
6. Tsering Duky Bista
7. Dukdak
8. Chime Wangyal Gurung