Chitwan Elephant Festival kicks off in Sauraha; Honey Festival to take place in Chitwan from tomorrow

Chitwan / Dec 26: The 18th Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival began today in Sauraha, Chitwan. Inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh, the event seeks to promote elephant-friendly tourism.

The festival features a procession with elephants and performers in traditional costumes. Activities include an elephant football penalty shootout, elephant ring competition, musical walk, health check-up camp, and cultural performances. It also highlights women entrepreneurs and local agriculture.

The festival, running until December 30, offers a 10 percent discount on food and accommodation at local hotels and restaurants for visitors. The event aims to boost tourism, with a 25-30 percent annual increase in tourists since its inception in 1998.

‘Honey Festival’ to take place in Chitwan from tomorrow

The Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project Implementation Unit is organizing a ‘honey festival’ here from Thursday for promote the market of honey. The festival will last on December 30.

Rabi Kiran Adhikari, bee zone programme officer of the project, said that 10 sales rooms will be set up at the festival site and anyone coming there will be offered honey taste.

The project has been leveraging marketing, packaging and labeling to promote the products of beekeeping entrepreneurs under the bee zone.

The bee zone has been established in Chitwan since the fiscal year 2075/76 BS.

Shiva Sharma, former president of Nepal Beekeeping Federation, said the festival has inspired beekeeping farmers.

It may be noted that Chitwan had produced 800 metric tons of honey last year.