Kathmandu. KIRTIPUR: The hustle and bustle of people at Kwacho Snacks in Umamaheshwor of Kirtipur has become much heavier than ever for the past one week.

In the past, there used to be a general movement of people, but now the number of customers eating lunch has increased. The reason for the increase in subscribers is the Nepal Premier League (NPL).

KATHMANDU: The National Athletic Championship (NPL) has kicked off at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur from November 1. Thousands of spectators have come to witness cricket. The audience going for NPL has become a means of earning money for the people of Kirtipur.

According to them, NPL has been instrumental in the marketing of original Newari food, agricultural products and handicraft goods. Rajman Maharjan, proprietor of the popular Lahana Newari Restaurant in Kirtipur, said that the number of customers has increased in the restaurant. “Last year, the restaurant was full of fans of the winning team almost every day, and this time the number is growing,” she said. Most of the 80 restaurants in Kirtipur serve Newari cuisine.

Restaurants have also started showing games on big screens to increase customers. Rijan Maharjan, manager of Newari Restaurant, said that NPL is a way to grow Kirtipur’s business. “We use local products as much as possible in the dishes we sell, and along with the dishes, we have also put up handicraft products made from straw and maize husk,” he said. The restaurant is also offering a 10 percent discount on food during the NPL.