Jhulaghat's Festival of Memories Rekindles Cross-Border Heritage
Residents of Jhulaghat recently organized a special two-day event called the "Festival of Memories." This heartfelt gathering brought together many old residents who once called this place home. The festival served as a powerful reminder of Jhulaghat's rich history and cultural significance.
A Town with a Storied Past
Viplav Bhatt, a local resident, shared insights into Jhulaghat's transformation. He explained that Jhulaghat was originally part of the Majerkhanda gram sabha. Over time, it developed into a proper town and a bustling market center.
In its heyday, Jhulaghat was a very busy and important market. Its influence stretched from Pancheshwar all the way to Jauljibi. It also reached into many parts of eastern Nepal. Traders from Pithoragarh, Kali Kumaon (which includes Champawat), and Nepal regularly converged here.
This constant flow of people created a beautiful intermingling of three distinct cultures. However, this vibrant era did not last forever. The town gradually lost its former glory. A major reason for this decline was the lack of proper road connectivity on both the Indian and Nepalese sides.
Personal Stories of Connection
The festival was filled with personal stories and emotional reunions. Savitri Bhatt, a resident of Champawat, attended with great joy. "Jhulaghat is my mother's home," she said. "I have visited many times after my marriage, but this visit felt truly special. I got to see both old and new faces here."
She recalled the challenges of life in earlier times. "In our days, there was no electricity and no reliable drinking water supply. We had to go down to the Kali River to fetch our water," Savitri Bhatt remembered vividly.
A Place That Felt Like Home
Dr. Jagdish Garkoti also shared his family's deep connection to Jhulaghat. "Our family originally came from Champawat to conduct business here," he explained. "But this place welcomed us with open arms. We never felt like outsiders."
Even though his family has since moved away, the memories remain strong. "We still remember Jhulaghat as our native place," Dr. Garkoti stated with clear affection. The Festival of Memories successfully captured these sentiments, allowing a community to celebrate its shared heritage and enduring bonds.
