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Hadigaun: Car-Free Saturdays
Yashaswi Malla
“Every Saturday, the narrow streets of Hadigaun in Kathmandu, Nepal, are transformed into vibrant, car-free zones where community spirit and cultural heritage are celebrated with warmth.”
Every Saturday, the narrow streets of Hadigaun in Kathmandu, Nepal, are transformed into vibrant, car-free zones where community spirit and cultural heritage are celebrated with warmth. This initiative, launched on World Carfree Day 2023, has become a beloved weekly tradition, drawing people from all corners of the city to experience the rich tapestry of Newari culture and the joy of communal activities.
Reviving Cultural Roots
Hadigaun’s car-free Saturdays are the result of a collaborative effort by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office, Hadigaun Ward 5, and the community itself. Supported by the Digo Bikas Institute (DBI) and USAID Clean Air, through its implementing partners FHI 360 and Environment and Public Health Organisation (ENPHO), this initiative aims to create a sustainable, pedestrian-friendly environment reminiscent of the times when streets belonged to people, not cars.
“Hadigaun’s car-free Saturdays are the result of a collaborative effort by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office, Hadigaun Ward 5, and the community itself, creating a sustainable, pedestrian-friendly environment.”
DBI orchestrated workshops and awareness programs to educate residents about sustainable practices and the importance of green spaces. Experts and local environmentalists shared insights on reducing carbon footprints, fostering a strong community commitment to adopting eco-friendly habits.
Streets Turned Playgrounds
On these special Saturdays, Hadigaun’s streets turn into playgrounds where children and adults engage in a variety of games. Traditional Nepali games like dandibio, hopscotch, and human-scale Snake and Ladder are played alongside football and skipping. The atmosphere is filled with the sounds of laughter and the sight of families cycling and walking together, reinforcing the sense of community spirit.
“I love playing football here with my friends. The streets feel alive, and there are so many things to do. It’s like a festival every week,” says 11-year-old Arush Shrestha. His words capture the essence of the transformation that these Saturdays bring to Hadigaun.
Culinary Delights and Cultural Displays
Food is a central element of these gatherings. Newari aunties, dressed in traditional attire, gather to prepare and sell delicacies such as yomari, bara, and spicy choila. The aroma of these traditional dishes fills the air, inviting everyone to taste the rich culinary heritage of the Newar community.
Nine-year-old Rajshree Shakya shares her excitement, “I love yomari! It’s so delicious, and I get to watch how it’s made. It’s fun to see everyone cooking together and sharing food.”
The cultural heritage of Hadigaun is also prominently displayed. Old photographs, ancient idols, and traditional artefacts are exhibited, allowing visitors to delve into the history and culture of the area. Gopal Dangol, the coordinator of community events, emphasizes, “In Hadigaun, we have many cultural, art, and musical assets to exhibit. These car-free Saturdays are an opportunity for us to showcase our rich history and traditions.”
“On these special Saturdays, Hadigaun’s streets turn into playgrounds where children and adults engage in a variety of games, reinforcing the sense of community spirit.”
A Community Reconnected
The car-free initiative has not only reclaimed public spaces but also reconnected the community. An elderly woman, reflecting on the transformation, says, “I always have something to look forward to that keeps me excited and hopeful. I feel more connected and cherish the togetherness.” This sentiment is echoed by many residents who have found a renewed sense of belonging through these weekly events.
“The cultural heritage of Hadigaun is prominently displayed, allowing visitors to delve into the history and culture of the area, showcasing rich traditions.”
The initiative has also fostered stronger bonds among neighbours. “It has made the bond stronger with all my neighbours and the Newari community since women come closer and prepare food together, which has strengthened their bond even more,” says a local woman, highlighting the communal spirit that these Saturdays have nurtured.
World Car free Day (Separate Box )
Every year, on or around September 22nd, cities around the globe celebrate World Car-Free Day, an event dedicated to encouraging motorists to leave their cars at home for a day. This initiative aims to highlight the numerous benefits of a car-free lifestyle, including reduced air pollution and the promotion of walking and cycling in safer, more pleasant environments. The World Carfree Network envisions this day as a glimpse into how our cities could look, feel, and sound without cars—365 days a year. Similarly, from September 16th to 22nd, European towns demonstrate their commitment to clean and sustainable urban transport during #MobilityWeek. Car-free days offer cities the chance to reimagine their congested streets. Activities range from races for alternative-energy vehicles in Budapest, horse-riding in São Paulo, street picnics in Vienna, and running events in Jakarta. These events underline the potential uses of urban spaces, fostering a community spirit and reducing reliance on polluting vehicles. World Car-Free Day serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of car-dependent lifestyles on our health and environment. By embracing car-free days and supporting sustainable initiatives, we can move towards a future where our cities are cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable places to live.
Designing Cities for People
Rob de Jong, Head of UN Environment’s Air Quality and Mobility Unit, emphasizes, “Most cities have been designed around mobility for cars, and it is high time we change this and start designing cities around human mobility.” UN Environment’s Share the Road Programme supports developing countries in investing in infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting a shift towards more sustainable urban planning.
The Breathe Life Campaign
Many cities that observe car-free days also participate in the #BreatheLife campaign, led by the World Health Organization, UN Environment, and the Climate & Clean Air Coalition. The campaign promotes cleaner air initiatives, clean energy, and policies to reduce air pollution, reaching over 80 million people worldwide. Like car-free days, #BreatheLife encourages communities and individuals to take measures such as stopping waste burning, promoting green spaces, and encouraging walking or cycling to improve air quality.
The Broader Impact
The success of Hadigaun’s car-free Saturdays has inspired plans to extend the initiative. Ward 5 chair, Birendra Prajapati, confirms that traditional stone pavements will replace asphalt roads to reinforce the pedestrian-friendly environment. Discussions are also underway to hold cultural and musical events, further promoting the community’s heritage.
The initiative has had a profound impact on the younger generation as well. Saru Khadka, a mother, shares, “My child was hesitant at first, but now she eagerly looks forward to car-free Saturdays, socializing and playing with other kids. It’s wonderful to see her so excited and happy.”
A Model for Community-Led Sustainability
Hadigaun’s car-free Saturdays serve as a model for other neighbourhoods in Kathmandu and beyond. The initiative showcases the power of community-driven efforts to reclaim public spaces, promote sustainability, and preserve cultural heritage. By turning the streets into vibrant communal spaces, Hadigaun has demonstrated how modern living can harmoniously coexist with traditional values.
As Hadigaun continues to explore and expand this initiative, the community’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its culture while fostering a modern sense of unity and belonging remains steadfast. This weekly event, born from a collective effort, has transformed Hadigaun into a vibrant example of how reclaiming public spaces can enhance quality of life, strengthen community bonds, and preserve cultural heritage.
The Future
The future looks bright for Hadigaun as it continues to celebrate car-free Saturdays. The community’s dedication to this initiative promises to keep the spirit of togetherness and cultural pride alive for generations to come. By creating a space where people can connect, play, and celebrate their heritage, Hadigaun is paving the way for a more sustainable and joyful future.
In the words of 21-year-old Avash Shrestha, “These Saturdays have brought us closer as a community. We play, we eat, we laugh together. It’s a beautiful reminder of what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Hadigaun’s vehicle-free Saturdays are not just an event; they are a celebration of life, culture, and community—a beacon of hope and a model for neighbourhoods everywhere.
Yashaswi Malla
She is an IT graduate and technical project associate who channels her passion for psychological and philosophical fiction into her work as a content writer. A resident of Handigaon, her personal experiences bring much-needed depth to this article about Hadigaon. Her creative journey is fueled by a love for literature and music, and she has demonstrated her technical skills by developing five live and fully functional websites. She also holds a certificate from the Alliance for Peace Education and Development Nepal, awarded for her participation in workshops on violence against children, recognized on the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts. Her diverse interests and experiences shape her approach to storytelling and creative projects.
“Hadigaun’s car-free Saturdays serve as a model for other neighbourhoods in Kathmandu and beyond, demonstrating the power of community-driven efforts to reclaim public spaces and promote sustainability.”
