Pyangoun Craft Village Development Program: Launched by TNW In coordination with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB)

With an objective of establishing Pyanggaon of Chapagaon, Lalitpur, a model craft village to showcase its historical significance, rich culture, arts and handicrafts during the national campaign "Nepal Tourism Year 2011", the need to develop community based tourism and bring in tourism activities in the community, Nepal Tourism Board showed interest to support the program "Pyangoun Craft Village Development Program" launched by Team for Nature and Wildlife(TNW) on the eve of Nepal Tourism Year 2011.

On 21st May 2009, Team for Nature and Wildlife (TNW) signed an agreement with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in this regard.
The program aims to develop the Pyangoun as the first craft village of Nepal for ecotourism based economic development of the village.

About the village
Pyangau is a beautiful village located in Chapagau VDC ward no:5 of Lalitpur district,14 km south of Kathmandu. There are 120 households and nearly 1250 people in the village. The main language of communication is Newari which is totally different than Newari language of other regions. Nearly 45 percentages of people are literate. The village has got countless unique characteristics. The cultural aspect of this village is also totally different than other villages. The cultural and traditional rituals being performed in the village during the birth, marriage and death are also unique in the village. The people of this village are named as Gaam or Gaamal or Gaamle. The people of this village are found to be involved in organizing theatre shows and performing a wide range of cultural dances called Jhaki. The festivals like (linga gaadne Jatra) held during Bhadra and Indra Jatra are the especial ones being widely celebrated in this village. The youths are mostly found to be busy in such festival which lasts for four days.

Goal
To make the village as the first craft village of Nepal

Short term objectives
• To conduct pre-feasibility research study on craft village development
• To disseminate information on the cultural and historical significance of the village through media
• Lobbying and advocacy
• To inspire the local people to take local initiative

Long term objective
To support the local initiatives for pyangoun craft village and sustainable economic development through eco-tourism

Partner Organizations
Nepal Tourism Board
Village Development Committee (VDC)
Nepal Nature Dot Com
Pyangaun Tourism Development Committee

Pyangaun Craft Village Report (DOC)