Pokhara, often hailed as Nepal’s tourism capital, is preparing to host the grand 20th Fewa New Year Festival 2082, set to take place from Chaitra 30 to Baishakh 1 (April 12 to 14, 2025), along a nearly 3-kilometer stretch of the vibrant Lakeside road beside the scenic Phewa Lake. The Fewa Festival has grown into one of the most anticipated tourism events in the region, attracting tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors annually.
The event will feature free public entry, ensuring inclusive participation and access for all. With the core objective of celebrating Nepali New Year in a joyful and culturally rich manner, the festival aims to promote national and international awareness of Nepal’s unique traditions. A grand opening with traditional cultural processions will mark the commencement of the celebration, which will highlight Nepal’s rich heritage through music, dance, art, and local cuisine.
The festival will place a special emphasis on the promotion of Nepali food, showcasing diverse local flavors through dedicated food stalls and exhibitions. Around 30 to 40 stalls have been allocated for local products, encouraging small-scale entrepreneurs and farmers to exhibit and sell their goods. This aligns with the broader goal of the festival: to uplift local communities economically, promote domestic tourism, and extend tourists’ stay in Pokhara, thereby increasing economic circulation.
During the festival, hotels affiliated with the Pokhara Hotel Association will offer a 20% discount on published rates for guests, while other tourism-related businesses and service providers are expected to provide additional offers and concessions. The event is not just a celebration but a strategic step towards achieving Pokhara Metropolitan City’s declaration of 2025 as “Pokhara Visit Year,” aimed at significantly increasing tourist footfall and promoting Pokhara as a top travel destination.
According to the President of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), Binayak Shah, the festival is not only an occasion of cultural pride but also a crucial tool to highlight the tourism potential of Pokhara.
Mr. Shah stated that such events play a significant role in revitalizing the tourism industry, especially as Nepal continues its recovery from the pandemic and moves towards sustainable tourism growth. Similarly, Mani Ram Lamichhane, Director of Nepal Tourism Board (Gandaki Province), emphasized that the Fewa Festival would positively impact overall tourist growth, helping the region attract a higher number of both domestic and international travelers.
Adding more insight, former HAN Pokhara President Bikal Tulachan shared that the festival has proven highly effective in driving tourism numbers, with approximately 40% of annual tourist arrivals concentrated around the time of the event. Moreover, he revealed that during the festival period, tourism sees a spike of nearly 80-85%, with a continued impact even post-festival, reaching up to 60% growth.
According to Tulachan, the festival also provides tremendous value to local residents, offering them opportunities for income generation through stalls, performances, and local service engagement. Importantly, the organizers are mindful of possible natural calamities and environmental challenges, and have taken precautions to ensure safety and cleanliness. In this context, coordination has been ensured with local government and tourism entrepreneurs to implement effective waste management systems during the event.
With an estimated budget of NPR 6.5 million, up from last year’s 6 million, the event is being funded primarily through sponsorships and in-kind support, while all major programs remain free for the public. The opening ceremony of the festival is scheduled to be inaugurated by the Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, demonstrating the strong support of the local government in promoting tourism-based economic activities. To ensure smooth execution, the organizing body has formed over 21 specialized committees, assigning area coordinators for different aspects of the festival management.
In line with its cultural and entertainment appeal, the festival will host a variety of events including traditional food exhibitions, folk duet performances (lok dohori), pop concerts featuring renowned national and local artists, cultural programs, recreational sports competitions such as badminton cups and tourist runs, and a unique exhibition of indigenous and regional cuisine from across the province.
An agriculture and handicraft exhibition is also planned to showcase the creative and agrarian wealth of the region. Through these dynamic events, the Fewa New Year Festival aims to serve as a cultural powerhouse, strengthening Nepal’s image as a destination rich in heritage, tradition, and hospitality.
Additionally, to boost outreach, the organizing association has launched the “Jaun Hai Pokhara” promotional campaign in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board, targeting key eastern cities in Nepal. These efforts have included invitations to local communities encouraging participation in the grand celebration. New tourism packages such as “Ghumgham Pokhara,” “Educational Tour Pokhara,” and “Madhumas Pokhara” have been unveiled, giving tourists unique and affordable options to explore Pokhara beyond the festival dates.
As Pokhara sets the stage for this landmark event, the festival promises not only a colorful and immersive New Year celebration but also a strategic initiative to strengthen the cultural economy, empower local stakeholders, and project Nepal’s image as a must-visit destination in South Asia. In essence, the 20th Fewa New Year Festival is a shining example of how culture, community, and commerce can intersect meaningfully to promote sustainable tourism. Through the celebration of “Nepalipan”, the event will amplify national pride and international appeal, helping set the tone for Pokhara’s vision of inclusive and impactful tourism development in 2025 and beyond.
