The 67th edition of the ‘Shelri Dugdra (Shey) Festival,’ a grand celebration held every 12 years at Shey Gumba in Upper Dolpa, is scheduled to take place from September 1st to 6th this year. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Nepal Tourism Board on Thursday, extending a public invitation to all interested participants.
This year’s festival will be hosted at the Shel Sumdo monastery in Ward No. 3, Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to explore the natural, cultural, and religious heritage of Dolpo.
The event will feature various highlights, including the circumambulation of Shel Rivo Dugdra, spiritual and environmental discourses by Buddhist masters, and anointing and life empowerment programs. Attendees can look forward to performances of masked dances and cultural dances from various monasteries, along with exhibitions showcasing documentaries, traditional art, and local food.
In addition to the cultural festivities, the festival will include horse racing, archery games, and an inter-school sports competition. Dhawa Samduk Gurung, Chief of Shey Phoksundo Municipality and coordinator of the festival organizing committee, along with Pemma Wangchen Gurung, vice president of the rural municipality, and other residents of Dolpa, have extended an invitation to everyone to participate in the festival.
Hikmat Singh Aiyer, senior director of the Nepal Tourism Board, emphasized the importance of the festival during the press conference. Vice Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Indira Rana Magar, also shared her travel experiences in Dolpa, adding to the event’s significance.
Organizers estimate that around 15,000 pilgrims will attend the festival, with expenses projected to exceed 40 million rupees. The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration, reflecting the rich traditions and culture of Upper Dolpa.
