Cricket craze boosts business for Kirtipur eateries
The cricket extravaganza, which began on Mangsir 1 at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, has attracted thousands of spectators.
KATHMANDU: The Kwacho lunch hotel in Umamaheshwar, Kirtipur, has been bustling with people for the past week.
While these restaurants usually experience a steady flow of customers, the recent spike has kept owners like Maila Maharjan busy throughout the day.
The reason behind this sudden rush: the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
The cricket extravaganza, which began on Mangsir 1 at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, has attracted thousands of spectators.
For local residents, the influx of NPL fans has become an important source of economic activity.
Many see it as an opportunity to promote traditional Newari cuisine, local agricultural produce, and handicrafts.
Rajman Maharjan, owner of Kirtipur’s well-known Lahana Newari Restaurant, confirmed the rise in customers. “In previous seasons, our restaurant would be packed with supporters of the winning team every day. This year, the number of visitors is increasing even more,” he said.
Among Kirtipur’s 80 restaurants, most serve traditional Newari dishes.
To cater to the cricket crowd, many establishments have started screening matches on large screens.
Rijan Maharjan, manager at Sasa Newari Restaurant, said the NPL has significantly boosted business. “We try to use locally sourced ingredients in our dishes and also display handicrafts made from straw and maize husks,” he explained. The restaurant has also introduced a 10% discount on meals throughout the NPL season.
With the tournament drawing in thousands of cricket fans, local businesses in Kirtipur are reaping the benefits, showcasing the strong link between sports events and community economy
