A three-day Koshi Tourism Festival is set to take place in Barahakshetra, Sunsari, as part of the celebrations of the Koshi Province Visit Year 2082. The festival will be held from Chaitra 25 to 27 (April 8–10), according to organizers.
The announcement was made during a press conference organized on Monday at Resort No. 12 in Barahakshetra–Thakurbari. The event is being conducted with the support of the Koshi Province Government and is expected to draw both domestic and international visitors.
Promoting the Sapta Koshi River as a Key Tourist Destination
According to festival chairperson Angat Rai, the primary objective of the event is to promote the banks of the Sapta Koshi River as a major tourist destination. The festival also aims to highlight the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage while preserving its endangered traditional arts and cultural practices.
“The Koshi riverbank has immense tourism potential. Through this festival, we want to bring attention to our natural beauty, religious significance, and unique cultural identity,” Rai stated during the press conference.
Organizers believe that such initiatives will not only attract tourists but also contribute to the sustainable development of local communities by creating economic opportunities and raising awareness about cultural preservation.
Cultural Performances and Tourist Activities Planned
The festival will feature a wide range of activities, including traditional cultural dances and processions that reflect the diversity of Nepal’s ethnic heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience authentic performances showcasing local customs and traditions.
Co-coordinator Bhabish Shrestha shared that several tourism-related activities have been planned throughout the festival period. These include wildlife and bird watching at the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, visits to the famous Ramduni Temple, and sunset viewing at Borabandh, a scenic location along the riverbank. “These activities are designed to give visitors a complete experience of the region’s natural beauty and spiritual significance,” Shrestha explained.
Evening Attractions and Adventure Tourism
In the evenings, the festival will come alive with vibrant cultural performances, including the traditional Lakhe dance and Dhaan Naach (rice dance), which are expected to attract large crowds.
The final day of the festival, Chaitra 27, will focus on religious tourism, with arrangements made for both domestic and international tourists to visit the sacred Barahakshetra Temple, an important pilgrimage site in eastern Nepal.
Following the temple visit, organizers have planned a series of adventure activities extending to Borabandh. These include rafting, jet boating, ATV riding, boating, and riverbank sports, offering visitors an exciting mix of adventure and leisure experiences.
Participation of Domestic and International Visitors
The festival is expected to witness participation from tourists across Nepal, as well as visitors from India and other third countries. Organizers have also invited distinguished guests to enhance the event’s profile and promote it at a broader level.
To ensure a memorable experience, special arrangements will be made for visitors to enjoy local organic cuisine, showcasing the traditional flavors of the region. This initiative aims to promote local food culture while supporting local farmers and businesses.
Boost to Tourism in Koshi Province
Tourism Office Dharan official Keshav Phuyal expressed confidence that events like the Koshi Tourism Festival would significantly contribute to the promotion of tourism in the province.
He noted that such programs help bring the tourism potential of the Koshi river corridor to the attention of both national and international markets. “These initiatives are crucial in positioning Koshi Province as a competitive tourism destination,” Phuyal said.
The Koshi Tourism Festival represents a strategic effort to combine culture, nature, religion, and adventure into a single platform. With diverse activities and strong institutional support, the event is expected to play a vital role in promoting Barahakshetra and the wider Koshi region as an emerging tourism hub.
As Nepal continues to diversify its tourism offerings, initiatives like this festival highlight the importance of regional destinations and community-driven tourism development. If successfully executed, the festival could become an annual attraction, drawing increasing numbers of visitors and contributing to long-term economic growth in the region.
