In Nepal, the word “chautari” translates to “rest stop,” but its significance extends far beyond this simple meaning. Traditionally, chautari are circular stone structures constructed around the bases of banyan (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) or peepal (Ficus religiosa Linn.) trees—and often both—found along trails and roads to provide shade and rest for travellers. In Nepal’s mid-hills, some chautari are also built around lankuri (Fraxinus floribunda Wall.) trees, adding to the region’s distinctive landscape while serving the same purpose. These chautari hold deep cultural, religious, and ecological significance, yet they are vanishing at an alarming rate, particularly in urban and suburban areas where infrastructure projects are booming.
Cultural and religious significance of chautari
Chautari are more than functional rest stops; they are sacred spaces steeped in Hindu tradition. The banyan and peepal trees are revered in Hindu culture as embodiments of Lord Narayan and Goddess Laxmi, and it is believed that “marrying” these trees brings peace, prosperity, and happiness to a community. Considered divine, the banyan is also known as the “Kalpavriksha,” or wish-fulfilling tree, and holds a significant place in Hindu mythology.
These trees are thought to attract gods and ancestral spirits, imbuing the area with divine energy. Many chautari even house small shrines or temples beneath their sprawling branches, further embedding them within Nepal’s spiritual landscape. During festivals and religious ceremonies, leaves from these sacred trees are collected for rituals, symbolizing purity and a connection to the divine.
Chautari as ecological and community hubs
Beyond their cultural value, chautari serve as miniature ecosystems and vibrant social hubs. The expansive branches provide a heaven for various wildlife; birds nest within their canopies, and squirrels dart between the branches, creating a sanctuary within community spaces.
Chautari also serves as a vital part of community life, bringing together villagers to catch up, share stories, and discuss local matters. “People used to volunteer to gather stones and build a chautari around the tree,” recalls Gyan Bahadur Khadka, Chairperson of District, Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN) in Ramechhap, underscoring the communal efforts once dedicated to preserving these structures. Unfortunately, Khadka notes, this volunteering culture has dwindled, with cement replacing traditional stone structures in most new chautari builds. These spaces foster connections across generations; children play traditional games like “Gatta” with stones or marbles under the protective shade, while elders reminisce or discuss community issues. Sadly these traditional games are being replaced by modern phone games.
Moreover, Lal Bahadur Gurung, an elder from Besisahar, Lamjung, shares that locals would gather at the “Manange Chautari” at dawn during summer to escape the heat, which also lent its name to the surrounding neighbourhood, “Manange Chautari Tole.” These chautari offer a reprieve from Nepal’s intense summer sun, creating a cool microclimate and allowing for refreshing air circulation—an essential comfort in densely populated areas.
Back when there were no modern means of communication, people would gather at the chautari to announce news and share information. Many social and community events, like haat bazaars, took place nearby, making it a central hub. In ancient Nepal, travellers journeying for days to gather salt would rest and camp around the chautari, further adding to its historical significance.
Modern development threatens Nepal’s chautari
Despite their importance, Nepal’s chautari are increasingly under threat from modern development and infrastructure expansion. With federal, provincial, and local governments all implementing road projects, there has been a significant rise in such initiatives nationwide, with many constructed without adhering to standard procedures. This has greatly impacted traditional chautari, with many being removed from villages. While some communities have successfully preserved these sites, most chautari have been displaced due to road expansion projects, raising significant concerns.
As urban and suburban areas expand, artificial parks are becoming more common, replacing the historic chautari. Districts like West Rukum and Rampur, Palpa, where chautari and walking trails are essential cultural landmarks, are witnessing a rapid decline in these traditional rest stops. The replacement of these structures with modern alternatives threatens not only the cultural and religious heritage of Nepal but also the ecological and social benefits these chautari provide.
Call for preservation
Chautari embodies the rich cultural heritage of Nepal, bridging the past with the present. They serve as places of community gathering, spiritual connection, and ecological sanctuaries. Parks and bus stops cannot replace the role of chautari, which hold unique ecological, cultural, religious, and aesthetic significance.
Community leaders, conservationists, and policymakers must work together to ensure these cultural and ecological treasures are protected and cherished for future generations. Chautari are more than rest stops; they are a vital part of Nepali identity, deserving of preservation amid the rush for modern development.
Note: Interviews with various individuals mentioned in the article were conducted during the CLIMIG project in Lamjung and the CREW project in Ramechhap district.
This blog article was first published at Online Khabar 11th November 2024.
“Views expressed here are personal and not associated with any affiliated organisations”
