Dharan Music Jatra, Cultural Fair to be held

By Nisha Rai,Dharan, Dec. 21: The 10-day Dharan Music Jatra and Cultural Fair is scheduled to take place at the tourist site of Bagarkot in Dharan-15 from December 22 to January 1.

The organisers announced at a press conference that the festival, themed ‘Music, Songs, and Entertainment: Promoting Tourism for the Prosperity of Dharan,’ will feature cultural exhibitions showcasing traditional and ethnic attire alongside an organic food festival offering ethnic cuisines.

According to the coordinator and advisor of the festival, Dip Chandra Rai, the event is being organised by Nature Club Dharan and Nishan TriValley  Development Organisation Dharan-15, with co-organisation by the Tribeni Women’s Group Dharan-15.

Rai said that the festival would include performances by renowned national and local artists.

 Cultural programmes featuring traditional and ethnic attire, dance performances, ethnic cuisines, and organic food items will be among the highlights. The festival will prioritise local products, with around 50 stalls expected to be set up.

To make the festival appealing and entertaining, activities such as ferris wheels, dragon rides, breakdancing, boat rides, Mickey Mouse-themed attractions, and other amusement facilities will be arranged for all age groups, the organisers said.

The coordinator also added that national artists would perform throughout the festival, beginning on the opening day.

 Artists such as Sabin Rai, Jyoti Magar, Astha Raut, Ekdev Limbu, The Element, Samir Shrestha, Tribal Rain (Sikkim), Anmol Gurung (Kalimpong), Rockheads, Asmita Adhikari, Prajina Lamichhane, Barsha Acharya, and local bands including Suraj and Trio, Aarohi, Badmas and Band, The Crisis, Urja Band, Lamos Band, and The Flow Nepal will perform at the event.

The estimated cost of the festival is around Rs. 8 million, and entry during the daytime will be free. However, after 4 pm, an entry fee will be charged to view the artists' performances.

Ward Chairperson Naresh Iwaram of Dharan-15 said that the event aims to provide entertainment through music and songs while attracting visitors to Dharan and contributing to its prosperity. He added that the remaining funds from the festival will be utilised for social causes. 

The coordinator emphasised that no illegal activities would be permitted during the event.