A three-day cultural festival has begun in Byas Municipality to showcase and preserve the art and culture of various ethnic groups. Organized by the Byas Municipal Academy, the festival is taking place at an open ground in Byas Municipality-3 and will run until Friday.
Inaugurating the event, Gandaki Provincial Assembly member Ashok Kumar Shrestha emphasized the need to preserve the district’s rich traditional culture. He stated that the provincial government prioritizes the protection of ethnic art and culture and encourages linking culture with economic opportunities.
District Coordination Committee Chief Shantiraman Wagle highlighted Nepal’s identity as rooted in culture and nature, stressing the importance of preservation. Pradeeparaj Adhikari, District Secretary of the CPN-UML, praised the festival’s goal of safeguarding indigenous traditions within the municipality. Similarly, Rastriya Swatantra Party District President Bishwo Bastola emphasized the need to prevent the loss of languages and cultures.
Academy member Devi Bahadur Basnet explained that the initiative aims to protect and pass down cultural heritage to future generations. Byas Municipality Mayor and Academy Chancellor Baikuntha Neupane stated that many local traditions, rituals, and historical sites are on the verge of extinction, making such efforts crucial. He stressed that the municipality holds the responsibility of preserving these cultural assets.
The festival features traditional performances such as Balan dance, Bhajan, Chudka, Kauraha, Sorathi, Sworahi, Paudure, Shankhadhwani, Jhyaures, and Ghantu dance, along with exhibitions of sculptures and paintings.
Each participating ethnic group will receive NPR 10,000 in financial support. Additionally, the best three tableau performances will be awarded cash prizes of NPR 10,000, 7,000, and 5,000, respectively.
