Pokhara is set to host the 27th edition of the Pokhara Street Festival from Poush 13 to 17, with activities taking place along the Lakeside area near Fewa Lake, covering approximately 3.5 kilometers, organizers announced at a press conference in Itahari today. The event is organized by the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN), Pokhara, and has become a prominent platform for promoting the city’s culinary delights, culture, music, and tourism.
According to Basanta Gautam, coordinator of REBAN Pokhara, the festival follows the motto: “Eat on the street, dance on the street, and enjoy on the street.” Over the years, it has contributed significantly to the promotion of Pokhara as a tourist destination, particularly for celebrating the English New Year, a period when many Nepali tourists previously traveled abroad to destinations like Goa, India, and Thailand. “Today, the festival has become a brand for Pokhara, strengthening its identity and tourism promotion,” Gautam said.
Despite challenges such as the devastating 2015 earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent socio-political movements, the festival has continued annually. Gautam emphasized that it plays a vital role in revitalizing the tourism sector during periods of slowdown and sending a message to the world that Pokhara is safe and open for visitors.
Promoting Local Economy and Cultural Heritage
Gopi Bhattarai, coordinator of Pokhara Tourism Year 2025, highlighted the festival’s role in stimulating tourism during the winter season, which is traditionally slow. The festival supports local farmers, artisans, and small-scale producers by promoting and marketing their products, while also attracting foreign tourists during the Christmas and New Year period, contributing to foreign exchange earnings.
This year, the festival is being organized in collaboration with the Pokhara Metropolitan City’s Pokhara Tourism Year 2025 initiative, reflecting a coordinated effort to strengthen the city’s image as a leading tourist destination.
Highlights and Attractions
The festival promises a diverse range of attractions. Visitors can enjoy cultural displays and dances representing various ethnic communities of Nepal, a food festival featuring national and international cuisines, and performances by renowned artists. Additionally, traditional folk songs (Lok Dohori), boat races on Fewa Lake, waiter races, tug-of-war competitions, and tourism-related talk shows, documentaries, and photo exhibitions will be part of the festival program, according to Gautam. The event aims to provide both entertainment and education, offering a platform for visitors to engage with Nepal’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying culinary and recreational experiences.
Sponsors and Partners
The main sponsor of the festival is Gorkha Brewery Pvt. Ltd., while co-sponsors include Bottlers Nepal (Terai) Ltd., The Nepal Distillery Pvt. Ltd., Yeti Distillery Pvt. Ltd., and Nepal Telecom. The banking partner for the event is Siddhartha Bank, providing financial and logistical support to ensure the smooth execution of the festival.
With its vibrant mix of food, culture, and entertainment, the 27th Pokhara Street Festival aims to attract both domestic and international tourists, enhance the local economy, and reinforce Pokhara’s status as a leading tourism hub in Nepal.
