Ratna Park remains one of this few public places left in the heart of Kathmandu. For many it's the only centrally located space where people do not require to consume. As metropolis grows exponentially, less priority is given to public venues. In the course of visiting Ratna Park its importance to people became obvious. They visit to seek the shade, escape the bustling city and socialize. The stories shared with us are as varied as persons themselves. We met people from all over Nepal, from different walks of life, occupations and social classes.he influx of people into the city considering the Maoist conflict, has led to the scarcity of living area. In contemporary Kathmandu new meeting places tend to be created for consumption, such beeing the malls. As one man clearly put it “here I do not have to consume, to stay your park”. Those who don't use it often overlook the park; it is often times seen as a degrading place for the lower class, a place for crime and prostitution. May possibly found through our experience was something, which contradicted the popular belief. We found the park fascinating. An individual stories shared to us, made it clear how the park is not just a resting place, but a place where many make their livelihood. By making portraits of the people we met, we preferred to individualize some of the people who make up the national park. They are the ones who create its atmosphere, its chaotic nature and its charm. End up being through their stories that we understood the importance with the park. By overlooking the importance that the park holds for its users, its future is in question by those who attempt to clean Kathmandu of its “unwanted” elements. We view it differently. We are interested in a place that holds so much of Kathmandu’s contemporary history. It is a place where we usually make their friends, listened to their stories and marveled at its chaotic nature. -
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