Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal, is set to host its 26th annual Road Festival in the picturesque Lakeside area. The festival will take place from Poush 13 to 17, 2081, covering a 3-kilometer stretch of the Lakeside road. This vibrant event aims to promote Pokhara as a premier destination for the English New Year celebration and showcase the city’s rich cultural and tourism offerings.
The announcement was made at a press conference held in Pokhara by the organizers, the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REWAN) Pokhara. The theme of the festival, “Let’s Eat on the Street, Dance on the Street, Enjoy on the Street,” highlights the unique celebration of local culture, food, and entertainment.
According to festival coordinator, Bikash Bhattarai, the event serves as a platform to promote art, culture, and local products, helping to market and brand local goods. He emphasized that the festival not only boosts cultural exchange but also promotes economic activities at the local level, generating foreign currency and creating employment opportunities.
The road festival will feature a variety of attractions, including cultural performances showcasing indigenous, endangered art forms, traditional costumes, and competitive floats. The event will also highlight both national and international cuisines, with live concerts adding to the festive atmosphere.
In addition, the festival will offer exciting competitions such as boat races, waiter races, tug-of-war, and food-eating contests, including challenges involving momo, sausage, and more. Awareness-raising street plays, a selfie photo booth, and interactive talks on the development, promotion, and challenges of Pokhara’s tourism industry will also be part of the event.
Local handicrafts, paintings, sculptures, and agricultural products will be given priority in the exhibition spaces. The festival will also feature documentary screenings of Pokhara’s adventure sports and a promotional platform for local businesses. Organizers have encouraged local businesses to decorate their stores and set up stalls along the festival route to engage with the event’s visitors and promote their offerings.
Bhattrai highlighted that the Road Festival is a great opportunity to promote Pokhara as a hub for tourism and culture, further enhancing its position as a top tourist destination in Nepal.
