Tokha Bazaar, a historic town in the northern outskirts of Kathmandu, has turned lively with the Maghe Sankranti festival just around the corner.
Renowned for its chaku—a Nepali delicacy made from boiled molasses, spices, and dry fruits—the town is at the heart of preparations for this special occasion.
Maghe Sankranti, which falls on January 14 this year, marks the transition to warmer days as winter begins to fade. The festival is incomplete without chaku and sesame sweetmeat laddus, both of which hold deep cultural significance. For centuries, Tokha, with its predominantly Newar population, has been the hub of chaku production, supplying households across the Kathmandu Valley and beyond.
Nestled within wards 2 and 3 of Tokha, 14 traditional chaku industries operate tirelessly to meet the soaring demand during this festive season.
The Shreekrishna Chaku Industry, employing over 50 workers, exemplifies the industrious spirit of the town. Its proprietor, Santamaya Shrestha, who belongs to a family that has been in the business for four generations, began chaku-making right after the festival of Tihar, preparing for the peak demand in January.
“We start months ahead to ensure the quality and quantity needed for Maghe Sankranti,” Santamaya shared. The chaku produced here finds its way not only to bustling markets like Asan, Indrachowk, and Bhaktapur but also to far-off cities like Pokhara, Narayanghat, and Biratnagar. It even reaches international markets, catering to Nepali diaspora, especially the Newar population.
The art of chaku-making in Tokha dates back to 519 AD, a heritage that residents take immense pride in. To safeguard this tradition, the Tokha Traditional Chaku Conservation Society (TTCCS) was established in 2016. According to Krishna Shrestha, chair of TTCCS, the industries in Tokha collectively generate Rs 3 to 4 million annually, producing not just Chaku but other molasses-based products.
Rajkaji Shrestha, a chaku producer with five decades of experience, emphasized the universal appeal of Tokha’s chaku. “The demand for our Chaku isn’t limited to Nepal. It’s loved in many countries where Nepali communities reside,” he remarked.
Beyond its culinary fame, Tokha’s chaku reflects the town’s historical, religious, and archaeological significance. The bazaar buzzes with activity as workers skillfully craft each batch, preserving age-old techniques while meeting the modern world’s growing demand.
As Maghe Sankranti approaches, Tokha Bazaar stands as a testament to Nepal’s rich cultural heritage—a place where tradition, taste, and tenacity converge to keep an ancient craft alive. -- RSS
