KATHMANDU – Foreign tourists visiting Nepal are generally assumed to arrive prepared to spend money. But not every foreign visitor comes only to spend. Some can also be found seeking contributions on the streets.
A recent scene along a street in Kathmandu’s New Road offered a different picture. A foreign woman from Russia who identified herself as ‘Lira’ was seen seeking contributions while smiling and playing a steel tongue drum handpan, drawing the attention of passers-by.
At first glance, she appears much like a street performer. Sitting by the roadside, she rhythmically plays a black metal handpan bearing an Om symbol, smiling as people passing by leave money voluntarily in a small bag placed beside her.
People seeking contributions along roadsides are not an unfamiliar sight in Nepal. But for many, seeing a foreign national playing an instrument and asking for support on a Nepali street was unusual.
The scene also challenged a common perception in Nepali society that foreigners are necessarily financially well-off. Not everyone seeks help solely because of financial hardship. Some adopt the practice as part of their travel and lifestyle.
The woman placed a bag beside her for contributions. She also displayed a placard carrying a message written in language easily understood by Nepalis: ‘I am from Russia. I have been travelling to different countries for five years. Now I am going to Uzbekistan. Thank you.’
She also listed her Instagram ID on the placard.
According to Lira, she has been travelling through different countries for the past five years. Uzbekistan is her next destination after Nepal.
During her travels, she plays music along roadsides in different countries and continues her journey with voluntary contributions from people.
Playing her instrument with a smile on a busy Kathmandu street, the Russian traveller has not only attracted attention but also raised a new subject of conversation about traditional Nepali perceptions of foreigners and street culture.
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