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Kathmandu Festival Tour

The first thing I noticed while making my way to the Katmandu Festival (on September 8 and 9, 2007) was the faint smell of incense and the sound of exotic music in the air. Then, as I reached Sonoma’s Depot Park, where the event was being held, it looked to me as if the entire park had been transformed. The tents and canopies dotting the park were full of vibrant tapestries, handmade rugs, antiques, clothing and other fascinating merchandise, while prayer flags waved in the breeze. To say the merchandise was colorful is an understatement. It was a rainbow of colors: sequins, lovely embroidery, intricate beading.

The fundraiser showcased traditional food, music and dance of Nepal, India and Tibet. A $7 donation at the entrance included a free raffle ticket and chance to win prizes, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Medical Aid Foundation. Carol Vernal of Sonoma is the CEO and founder of this organization which is committed to improving the lives of children of Nepal through surgical correction of birth defects and posttraumatic injuries. A team of three highly-skilled surgeons and supportive staff, works together to give children in Nepal a second chance for a better life, free from disfigurement and handicaps. Although the Children’s Medical Aid Foundation’s mission is serious, the atmosphere at the festival was fun and lighthearted. And the festival-goers I saw from throughout the Bay Area—Freemont, Palo Alto, Sacramento, East Bay, San Francisco—looked determined to help the cause and to have a blast doing so.

Not only were the attendees from throughout the Bay Area, but so were the entertainers. One of my favorites dance groups was an-all female group of four from the Kalanjali Dances of India School located in Berkeley and Sacramento. There was also a wonderful solo Nepalese dancer was very fluid and playful movements, and the North and South Indian group dancers who mastered complicated, synchronized moves. Each first-rate performance was followed by cheers and clapping from the audience

The food at the festival was wonderful. And ok, I admit it, I did indulge in a treat that isn’t actually from the Nepal area. But, I just had to try it. Comet Corn: Popcorn with Amazing Flavors. It boasted some pretty curiosity-inspiring flavors such as Mole, Nutritional Yeast and Coconut Curry. I tried the Bloody Mary flavor. And yep, it did taste and smell like what you’d expect the actual drink to taste and smell like if you dehydrated into a powder to be devoured over freshly made popcorn.

In addition to the singing and dancing and the food and merchandise, the festival also offered a healing arts section with massages, palm readings, energy readings and more. I also enjoyed the Nepalese Photo Exhibition. The stunning photographs are similar to the work I’ve seen in National Geographic magazine. The husband and wife team of Manju Bhatta and Ramesh Khadka are also filmmakers who have created documentaries of Nepal as well as the Children’s Medical Aid Foundation and the Katmandu Festival.