The 18th edition of the Elephant and Tourism Festival began on Thursday in the scenic tourist city of Sauraha. The event, organized by the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister Prakash Man Singh.

The festival’s opening ceremony featured a colorful cultural procession that started from Dam Side, passed through Gainda Chowk and Hatti Chowk, and concluded at the Baghmara Buffer Zone Community Forest. This annual event is a key initiative to promote tourism in Chitwan, highlighting the area’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The festival includes various activities and attractions designed to engage visitors while raising awareness about elephant conservation and tourism. It serves as a platform to showcase Chitwan’s unique charm and enhance its status as a premier tourist destination. The festivities will run until December 31, offering a blend of cultural experiences and ecological insights to tourists and locals alike.