Pokhara gears up to welcome New Year 2025

BY PHADINDRA ADHIKARI,Lekhnath, Dec. 31: Pokhara, tourism capital of the country, is currently flooded with both domestic and international tourists as preparations are underway to celebrate the New Year. The city is hosting a variety of festivals and events. 

Currently, three unique festivals are taking place in the main area of Pokhara, Lakeside. The largest street festival in the country, organised by the Restaurant and Bar Association (REBAN) of Kaski, has attracted both Nepali and foreign visitors. The festival held at Phewa Lake under the slogan ‘Let's Eat and Enjoy on the Street,’ has reached its 26th edition and has now become a staple event for celebrating the New Year.

REBAN President Bishworaj Paudel said that the festival has showcased Pokhara's cultural and natural beauty to both domestic and international tourists. 

"It has highlighted our cultural diversity and helped stimulate the local economy," he said.

On Sunday and Monday, an international dragon boat race took place on Phewa Lake. The race, especially popular in China, saw participants from Nepal, China and Singapore. It has not only attracted tourists but has also promoted Pokhara internationally. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, said that the competition has brought Nepali and Chinese people together at the grassroots level. 

"It has contributed to the development of sports and has also become a strong link connecting the citizens of both countries," he said.

The International Hot Air Balloon Festival, which began on December 24 on the banks of Phewa Lake, has also garnered attention both domestically and internationally. 

The festival, which runs until January 1, has received coverage from major outlets like BBC and the Wall Street Journal. 

Bikram Bade, president of the Balloon Nepal which had organised the festival, said, "We organised this festival to show that hot air balloons can also fly in Nepal. We are thrilled with the feedback from both 

domestic and international participants. We feel that this has not only promoted hot air balloons but also showcased Pokhara."

During the hot air balloon festival, 17 hot air balloons from 15 countries have flown over Pokhara. 

Meanwhile, the Gurung community celebrated Lhosar on Monday with various programmes. The community, predominantly residing in the Gandaki region, has been celebrating Lhosar as the New Year. 

Cultural expert Krishna Kumar Gurung explains that Lhosar marks the changing of the year and is celebrated as a festival. "Similar to the 12 zodiac signs, there are 12 animal classes, and this year, we bade farewell to the vulture class and welcomed the snake class," he said.

On Sunday, a ‘Khudo Fair’ was held in Pokhara-32. Organised by the Metropolitan Economic Development Division, the fair aimed to encourage sugarcane farmers. The municipality has declared Pokhara-32 as a sugarcane pocket area and is working to promote sugarcane farming. Chief of the Economic Development Division Manhar Kadariya said that the municipality also supports sugarcane farmers with grants and labelling of products and marketing efforts.

Additionally, on Sunday, a cycling race ‘Tour Pokhara’ took place. On the same day, Pokhara Metropolitan Ward No. 4 held the Yomari Festival. From January 2 to 14, the Lekhnath Festival is being held in Lekhnath, known as the ‘city of seven lakes.’ United Club, which plays a leading role in social work, will host the Pokhara Festival from January 9 to 18.

These events, festivals, and competitions play a crucial role in 

promoting Pokhara both nationally and internationally. Pokhara Municipality Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said that these efforts from the local level were making a significant contribution to establishing the city as the tourism capital. 

He said, "These festivals and programmes promote Pokhara's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and local products. At the same time, they help stimulate the local economy and 

prove to be a cornerstone for promoting tourism."