Elephant festival in Sauraha from December 26

By Our Correspondent,Bharatpur, Dec. 9: An Elephant Festival, which has been stopped for four years due to various reasons including COVID-19, is going to be held this year in a new way. Scheduled from December 26 to December 30, 2023, the renowned Elephant Festival in Sauraha, Chitwan, has been transformed into the Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival. The festival, to be organised by the Regional Hotel Association of Nepal Sauraha Chapter, has adapted its programme in response to recent animal rights protests. 

Changes include replacing the traditional elephant race with events like elephant calves football and an elephant beauty contest. These adjustments aim to address ethical concerns while maintaining the cultural celebration.