Lalitkala Campus students beautify Khotang with murals

KATHMANDU: As part of the “Diktel Bazaar Beautification Campaign,” students from Lalitkala Campus, Kathmandu, have been creating murals across Diktel Bazaar.

Led by Aashish Paudel, president of the Free Student Union (FSU) of Lalitkala Campus, 10 students arrived in Diktel on Jan 5 (Poush 21) and have been painting on walls of public squares and private homes.

The campaign, organized by Diktel Rupakot Mjuwagadhi Municipality, encourages students to create art that reflects culture, heritage, and meaningful messages.

“Diktel Bazaar is the district’s main commercial hub, and we plan to develop it as a model market,” said Mayor Tirtharaj Bhattarai. “The murals by Lalitkala students will attract both domestic and international tourists while boosting municipal revenue.”

Students will stay in Diktel for ten days, creating murals that reflect local wishes and the unique characteristics of each neighborhood.

In Shanti Tole, a predominantly Newar community, murals highlighting Newar culture and traditions are being painted, according to Suman Shrestha, president of Neva: Day Dvu Diktel.

Under the campaign’s slogan, “Art, Literature, and Environmental Conservation,” the visiting students are also teaching mural techniques to local students interested in painting at community schools within the municipality.

Chief Administrative Officer Rajkumar Rai said the municipality has provided food, lodging, and necessary materials for the students.

Last year, the municipality hosted the Mundhum International Painting Workshop, which produced 210 canvas artworks.