The inaugural Red Panda and Thar Festival began in Diktel on New Year’s Day, 2082 BS, as part of the Mundum Trail Visit Year celebrations. Organized by the Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, the two-day festival is being held at the scenic site of Hurlung, a popular tourist destination in the district.
Aimed at raising awareness and promoting the conservation of endangered species like the red panda and the Himalayan thar a rare mountain goat the festival blends environmental advocacy with vibrant cultural expression. The event showcases traditional pageantry, organic local cuisine, and exhibitions of ethnic costumes and locally-produced goods.
Photos and videos highlighting endangered wildlife are also on display, offering visitors a visual insight into the lives of these rare species. The festival has generated significant excitement among the locals, who have taken the lead in organizing and participating in the festivities.
Community members voluntarily performed cultural programs and managed stalls, reflecting strong local ownership and pride. Chancellor of the Nepal Academy, Bhupal Rai, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the vital role of wildlife conservation in preserving the environment and ecosystem.
The opening ceremony was attended by local officials, national political leaders, economists, artists, and researchers. On the occasion, Mayor Tirtha Raj Bhattarai announced the opening of a new trekking route Mundum Trail Red Panda Thar Route further enhancing the area’s eco-tourism appeal.
