Kathmandu Veg Fest on July 26

By Binu Shrestha,Kathmandu, July 23: Sneha’s Care, an animal welfare organisation, is organising the 5th Kathmandu Veg Fest on July 26 on the premises of Utpla Café, Bouddha.

This year's Veg Fest aims to raise awareness about veganism and promote a plant-based lifestyle to reduce animal suffering, organisers said at a press conference.

Sneha Shrestha, founder of Sneha’s Care, shared that the event would feature vegan food exhibitions, as well as sales and distribution stalls. She emphasised that using various drugs on animals and consuming animal meat and dairy products lead to adverse health impacts in humans. She conveyed the message that one can lead a healthy life by adopting a plant-based diet.

"The purpose of the fest is to promote plant-based dishes and advocate for a vegan lifestyle," said Shrestha.

She added, “Sneha’s Care has been successful in promoting plant-based living through the 'Veg Fest,' which has been organised in collaboration with individuals and institutions involved in vegan restaurants across the capital since 2017. The event has helped spread the message that vegan food can be both delicious and health-friendly.”

Kalyan Silwal, operator of a vegan restaurant, stated that the tradition of plant-based eating is ancient. “This trend is being revived and popularised by Western countries under the term ‘vegan’,” he said.

Silwal also noted that increased consumerism has led to unethical practices such as experimenting on animals and using harmful substances to boost meat and milk production. “As a result, these products have become toxic, prompting the younger generation to turn towards vegan alternatives,” he said.

This year’s festival will include stalls from vegan restaurants and vegan products, showcasing plant-based dishes, sustainable development initiatives, and eco-friendly materials. More than 90 stalls are expected, featuring vegan food producers, handmade jewelry, organic agricultural products, handicrafts, animal welfare organizations, yoga and philosophy groups, and informative exhibits.

In addition to promoting vegan lifestyles, the event will feature live music, dance performances, and awards for various children’s competitions, making it a grand and entertaining festival, organisers said.

Founded in 2015, Sneha’s Care has been a leading advocate for animal welfare. The organisation has been actively involved in rescuing animals in distress, sterilising stray dogs, treating sick animals, and raising awareness about cruelty-free and plant-based food consumption through various programmes.