As Nepal sees a host of events in February (February First, civil polls on 8 February, then Democracy Day on 18 February and the anniversary of the Maoist 'People's War' on 13 February) February Fever seems to have struck the Queendom of the Netherlands as well.
Sunday 12 February was marked by the International Council for Friends of Nepal (ICFON), a Dutch development aid organisation, celebrating its 14th successful 'Nepaldag' in south Amsterdam.
ICFON has been supporting Nepali NGOs since 1991 in activities to improve the livelihoods of Nepal's citizens. While focusing primarily on educational projects, ICFON also supports agricultural and health initiatives for Nepal's rural poor and organises a yearly Nepal Day in Holland, an event attended by hundreds of Dutch and Nepalis. Culture, history, development assistance and, of course, food, are discussed and shared. As the impact of Nepal's conflict has increased over the years, so too the content of the Nepal Day has changed.
Originally aimed more at the NGO and tourist sectors, the last few years have seen a steady increase in talks and films, some contributed by the Himalaya Film Festival based in the Netherlands, about the political quagmire and violence which have become undeniable features of Nepal. At this year's event, two films about the conflict were shown: The Living of Jogimara, an emotionally powerful documentary by Mohan Mainali, and a 20-minute promo of a fascinating new film which follows the lives of six very different women who are all affected by Nepal's civil war. During a Q&A session which followed the films, many members of the audience expressed their profound concern about the recent actions of the royal government and the conduct of the Maoists.
Even though tourism to the embattled kingdom is down, at least 300 people attended ICFON's Nepal Day last weekend to share their experiences and learn more about the country. Alongside craft stalls and a handful of independent travellers, in attendance were fifteen of the Dutch NGOs who continue to work in Nepal even in this time of unrest, including Madat Nepal and Stichting Vajra, and one travel agency.
As much as informing Dutch citizens about the wonders and troubles of this Himalayan nation, ICFON's Nepal Day is a sign to Nepalis abroad that there is sincere interest in their country even far beyond its borders.
Mark Turin in Amsterdam
