In Kathmandu, a group of young individuals is working to revive, promote, and preserve the rich traditions of Newa culture. Taking the lead on this initiative is 21-year-old Prasanna Manandhar, the founder and president of The Locals. Born and raised in a Newa family, Manandhar’s connection with his heritage inspired him to create a platform that gives young people a voice in cultural preservation.

Manandhar’s journey into cultural advocacy began with participating in various cultural groups and learning the traditional Newa dhimey dance. However, he was determined to go beyond appreciating his roots. A couple of years ago, he founded The Locals, a youth-led non-profit organisation run by individuals under the age of 22. Unlike many organisations that claim to be youth-driven but are spearheaded by older individuals, The Locals is authentically youth-led. Its current membership is 15, including nine board members.

He explains, “While organisations like Guthi (a communal place of Newa community) and Dafa Khala (community musical group) are already dedicated to preserving and promoting Newa culture, they often overlook the ideas and voices of young people like me. That’s why I decided to create a youth-led organisation with the same vision, where the contributions of young minds are valued, encouraged, and put into action.”

Manandhar recalls the challenges of establishing the organisation at just 19. The technicalities of registering an organisation were daunting, and many team members were too young to be officially included. However, with guidance and support from figures like Sunita Dangol, the deputy mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), The Locals found their footing. KMC, recognising the potential of youth engagement, not only encouraged their vision but also provided annual funding to support the group.

Besides digital advocacy, The Locals emphasises physical interaction to promote Newa culture. “The impact of meeting and working together physically is unparalleled,” says Manandhar. The organisation prioritised fieldwork and community engagement from the start, though their efforts often felt overlooked. Despite scepticism from their peers and lack of financial support, they persevered, organising events that showcased their commitment.

The Locals’ first event was an interschool cultural art competition. With no external funding, the team pooled their resources, secured a venue pro bono, and invited 50 schools. They hosted over 600 students and their parents, drawing guests like Former Sports Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Deputy Mayor Dangol. This event paved the way for future collaborations with KMC.

Among their flagship initiatives is the annual Matina Paru event, which celebrates love in Newa culture, akin to Valentine’s Day. Inspired by Manandhar’s childhood memories of small community celebrations, the event was scaled up to the Basantapur area, where hundreds gathered to participate.

The event’s success highlighted the power of physical community engagement and underscored the team’s ability to organise large-scale events. Last year’s event on December 16 drew a huge crowd, with the performance of Kuma Sagar and the Khwopa band. The team was overjoyed to host such an event and educate the public about Matina Paru.

In addition to cultural preservation, The Locals extends its work to social initiatives, such as aiding in rescue operations during floods in collaboration with the Nepal Police and the Nepal Army. It also supports local causes through projects like ‘The Locals for the Local Dogs’ and ‘The Locals for the Local Children’. Their dedication ensures that they remain active, organising or participating in multiple events monthly.

Manandhar shares, “A memorable project was teaching middle-aged women the Dhimey dance. Seeing these women reclaim their cultural identity and perform in Basantapur was a heartwarming experience.” Other events include Career Fest, Cultural Exchange Programmes, Jatrai Jatra Photography and Videography Competitions, and more. The team plans to organise Abiraya Holi in the upcoming Holi festival, an art competition in early April, and more.

Manandhar’s leadership style emphasises inclusivity and growth. Each general member is paired with a board member for mentorship, and leadership roles rotate to cultivate diverse skills. New members undergo a selection process to ensure alignment with the organisation’s vision. Despite facing financial struggles and scepticism, the team has built a reputation for delivering impactful projects.

Remaining apolitical has also been challenging as political groups sought to leverage their influence. However, as per the organisers, the group has maintained neutrality, focusing on cultural preservation and community welfare.

Looking ahead, The Locals aims to expand its reach by establishing sub-committees in different areas of the Kathmandu Valley. Following the success of The Locals of Kritipur, plans are underway to create a Bhaktapur chapter. The goal is to empower local committees to operate independently while staying connected to the organisation’s broader vision.

Manandhar hopes to inspire more young people to prioritise local initiatives over international opportunities, fostering a culture of giving back to their communities. “Running and leading this organisation has given us a sense of responsibility and power,” he says.

As The Locals continues to grow, its dedication to Newa culture and youth engagement remains steadfast. Manandhar’s vision of a community-driven future led by passionate young leaders is a powerful reminder of the potential of youth to create meaningful change.