February 14 is widely celebrated as the Valentine’s Day, an annual festival to celebrate, cultivate and spread love and affection among pairs, families and friends. The festival is no more a new for the Nepalese society when a large section of population have already accepted and endorsed it. The culture of celebrating the festival though it is not our original has lately increased in the Nepalese society.
The festival is celebrated by exchanging hearts, flowers and gifts among the beloved ones. The couples visit a place of their comfort such as parks, other touristic sites and exchange love and greetings during the Valentine’s Day. Rani Mahal or Ranighat Palace which literally means the Queen’s Palace in Palpa is one of the touristic destinations attracting the couples to celebrate the Valentine’s Day.
The historic structure dating back to the time of the Rana regime sits on the bank of the Kaligandaki River and is visited by scores of couples today. The Rani Mahal lies along the border of Palpa and Syangja districts and is known for its abundant natural beauty, historic architecture and magnificent look, which are among the reasons attracting visitors, it is said.
Couples are seen arriving at the site in a jolly mood with flowers especially red rose and other various gifts. It seems that the Kaligandaki River flowing on the lap of Ranighat Palace is a witness to their love. Realisng the essence of Valentine’s Day among those who celebrate it, the Tansen Municipality has made arrangements for the convenience of visitors. According to Municipality Spokesperson Yadav Singh Karki, the local government, through the Tansen Town Tourism Development Sub-Committee, has prepared to welcome the couples in a grand way. It has managed snacks, food and accommodation to 25 couples reaching the site today.
According to Palace employee Bishnu Bahadur Thapa, they see a rise in the number of visitors here lately. In the past, the entry was free, but now it is Rs 50 per head. The Rani Mahal lies some 13 kilometers north to Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa, the district in the Lumbini Province. The 24-room structure stretches to around 11 ropani of land (one ropani equivalent to5476 sq. ft).
A beautiful garden, a Hindu temple, a water pond, a kitchen, a stable and the hanging of big bells further add to the beauty to the Palace. The then Commander-in-Chief of West Nepal Khadga Shumsher Rana had built the Palace in commemoration of his beloved queen Tej Kumari.
The Palace, reflecting unique British architecture, sits on a big rock along the Kaligandaki River. Its foundation stone was laid in 1950 BS and it took four years to complete the project. The Palace is often referred to as the ‘Taj Mahal of Nepal’.
Youth flock to Lovely Hill on Valentine’s Day
Meanwhile, a report from Galeshwar in Myagdi district said that youth have thronged to the Mayalu Danda (Lovely Hill) on the occasion of Valentine’s Day today. The hill is about half an hour’s travel from Beni Bazar, the headquarters of Myagdi district. The Lovely Hill is a favourite outing spot of the youths for dating and who are in relationship. The hill is located at Khabara, Beni Municipality-2.
“The numbers of youth and couples coming to the Lovely Hill has increased over the last a few days compared to other time of the year. There’s a lovely ambience at Lovely Hill today. There’s a crowd of youths who have come here to celebrate the Valentine’s Day,” said Chandra Bahadur Karki, a local.
