Tourism Info Nepal

8th Myagdi Festival and Trade Fair Begins in Beni

8th Myagdi Festival and Trade Fair Begins in Beni

The 8th Myagdi Festival and Provincial Agriculture, Tourism, Industry, and Trade Fair officially commenced in Beni today, coinciding with the Maghe Sankranti festival. Organized by the Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this significant event aims to promote internal tourism and highlight Beni’s importance as a major trade hub along the ancient Silk Route and the renowned ‘Salt Trade Route’ of the Kali Gandaki Corridor.

According to Suvin Shrestha, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, the festival seeks to reflect the historical commercial significance of Beni, which has been a key trading center between China and India. Additionally, the festival aims to promote internal tourism and further strengthen the region’s cultural, economic, and tourism potential.

The ten-day festival aims to attract around 100,000 local and international visitors, with an estimated trade turnover of approximately NPR 10 crore. The event is not only focused on product sales and entertainment but also seeks to showcase the district’s overall potential, attract investment, stimulate economic activities, promote local products, and boost tourism.

Shrestha highlighted that the festival will emphasize sectors such as tourism, agriculture, hydropower, minerals, forest-based industries, and cultural preservation. It also aims to identify local talent, promote sports, and enhance cultural heritage.

The festival will feature exhibitions of local, national, and international agricultural, industrial, and livestock products, as well as a variety of sporting events such as men’s and women’s volleyball and basketball, local folk songs, and performances by artists. The opening day includes cultural events like the Pukhryoli Dance, Ratyauli Song, Bhajan, and the Myagdi Idol solo folk dance. Additionally, exhibitions of ethnic and cultural artifacts are being showcased.

Promod Shrestha, former president of the Chamber of Commerce, shared that historically, people from China and India would visit Beni during the Maghe Sankranti festival for shopping, dating back over 200 years. During this period, the Newar community from the Kathmandu Valley also migrated to Beni, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the area. Thus, both Beni and the Maghe Sankranti festival hold significant cultural value.

The Myagdi Festival has been celebrated regularly since 2058 B.S. (2001 A.D.), with seven editions held until 2078 B.S. (2021 A.D.). The festival continues the tradition of the Maghe Sankranti fair in Beni, located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki River, further cementing its place as a cultural and economic center for the region.

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