On November 9 2024, National Indigenous Women Forum (NIWF) continued its “Aadivasi Haat Bazaar” at Thamel Cottage and Canadian Pub. Building on the success of the Bazaar’s previous installment, this event brought Indigenous artisans and producers into the heart of Kathmandu’s vibrant cultural. This continuation aimed to amplify the visibility of Indigenous products, increase awareness of sustainable and climate-smart farming practices, and provide an economic boost to Indigenous Women entrepreneurs by connecting them with a broader audience.

Aadivasi HaatBazaar offered an array of unique, handmade goods, traditional foods, and fresh, sustainably grown produce from Indigenous Communities. Visitors were able to experience a blend of Nepal’s rich cultural heritage with modern sustainability initiatives through the wide variety of products on display. Among these were handcrafted textiles, artisanal jewelry, cultural artifacts, and organically grown vegetables, each product reflecting Indigenous knowledge and eco-friendly practices. The Bazaar aimed to showcase the skill, creativity, and sustainable methods embraced by Indigenous Women, promoting an appreciation for traditional crafts and farming techniques that harmonize with the environment.

A special feature of this Bazaar was the fresh, climate-smart produce brought by NIWF’s Sankharpur Integrated Pest Management (IPM) group. The vegetables showcased were grown using Integrated Pest Management techniques, an approach that combines Indigenous wisdom with sustainable agricultural practices to reduce dependency on synthetic pesticides. Through IPM, the Sankharpur group minimizes environmental harm, enhancing soil fertility and biodiversity while promoting safe food production. For many visitors, this produce was an introduction to climate-smart farming and offered an opportunity to learn about the methods Indigenous communities are adopting to address climate challenges. By supporting this produce, visitors not only enjoyed fresh, healthy food but also contributed to the wider movement toward environmentally responsible agriculture in Nepal.

Through events like the Aadivasi Haat Bazaar, NIWF continues to create economic and social platforms for Indigenous women while advocating for sustainable practices that benefit both the community and the environment. The success of this Bazaar in Thamel underscores NIWF’s mission to uplift Indigenous women by combining economic empowerment, cultural celebration, and environmental stewardship in meaningful ways.