Patan, Sept 7 : On Saturday evening, a group of young people took to the streets of Patan to feed homeless dogs using traditional Duna Tapari—plates made from Sal leaves. This community-driven initiative, known as “Green Saturday,” aimed to blend cultural heritage with acts of compassion.

The event was organized by “MOHEE,” a collective of like-minded youths dedicated to reviving traditional practices and fostering community engagement. Participants crafted the Tapari plates by hand as part of their effort to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Srijan Thapa, one of the event organizers, shared, “We made these Tapari plates by hand to feed the dogs. It’s about showing care for the animals while using natural, eco-friendly materials.” The Tapari plates, traditionally used during festivals and communal gatherings, are fully biodegradable and reflect a sustainable way of life rooted in Nepali culture.

Sadikshya KC shared,“This was the first time I learned to make Duna Tapari plates. It was a wonderful way to connect with our cultural heritage while doing something meaningful for the community.”

In addition to the plate-making, the youths prepared food for the dogs using a traditional nepali hand grinder known as a Jato. Rejina Basnet explained, “We wanted to engage in the slow, intentional process of preparing the food by hand. Using the Jato allowed us to connect with how our ancestors worked, emphasizing the value of patience and mindful labor.”

The “Green Saturday” event was designed to combine tradition, environmental responsibility, and compassion. By integrating these elements, MOHEE aimed to highlight the relevance of traditional practices in modern times and their benefits for both the community and the environment.

“Nepali culture has many sustainable practices that are being forgotten,” said Dipak Bist. “By using Duna Tapari and the Jato, we’re demonstrating that these practices are still valuable and environmentally friendly.”