File:Liglig Sanjeeb.jpg

English: When Nepal was divided into Baisye and Chaubise state, present Ligligkot of Palungtar municipality was governed under Chaubise rajya. According to history, in Ligligkot it was decided that whoever won the race from Chepeghat to Ligligkot top on the day of Dashain, would be the king (waang) for next year. Still today, liglig race is metaphorically used to connote people who vie for power and politics.

Viewing the race in the historical context, the tradition to select king from the race is seen as democratic and suitable as to select a person who is physically fit and clever so that the king could protect the kingdom from warring state of Baise and Chaubisye. Ligligkot is also a place from where building of modern Nepal commenced. Drabya Shah, who was the then prince of Lamjung, became king by winning the liglig race (there is debate on whether he ran the race or not). Since then, the Shah dynasty was established in the Ligligkot kingdom and his descendants established the Gorkha kingdom and one of the Shah descendant Prithvi Narayan Shah established Nepal winning small kingdoms scattered around the Gorkha district. There are still remains of architectural importance such as relics of old palace and building structure, which helps to know more about the history of Nepal. Besides that, Ligligkot also boosts cultural and natural beauty. The beautiful sunrise and sunset view from the Ligligkot along with majestic view of Himalayas in the north truly makes this area an important tourist destination of Gorkha district. However, due to lack of scientific archeological study of the area and limited promotion at national and international level has put Ligligkot under shadow and hindered tourism opportunities. Therefore, despite of the immense potential, people of Ligligkot have not been able to properly use its opportunity and on the other hand the youths have started to under value the history and the pride associated with it.

In this context, with clear vision of promoting historical significance, natural beauty and cultural richness of Ligligkot, we have proposed to organize “ Liglige Bicycle Race” from Chepeghat to Ligligkot. This race will help youth to be aware of their local history, mobilize them in the preservation of historical places and promote entrepreneurship.