The Bhedetar Food Festival, currently taking place at the scenic tourist destination of Bhedetar, has witnessed a notable presence of both domestic and international tourists, significantly increasing activity in the area.
Organized by the Hotel Association Bhedetar, the festival is held annually on the occasion of the English New Year at the picturesque border between Sunsari and Dhankuta districts. This year’s three-day festival, running until Thursday, aims to promote tourism, hospitality, trade, and agriculture in the region.
According to Tumaraj Limbu, the chairperson of the festival organizing committee, the event features a wide range of exhibits. These include dishes prepared using locally-grown organic vegetables and fruits, handicrafts, agricultural tools, and products from small and cottage industries. “Tourist numbers usually decline with the onset of winter, but events like this festival help revitalize the local market. Based on the current trends, we expect an increase in tourist footfall this year,” Limbu remarked.
The festival highlights several nearby attractions, including the Skywalk, Pathibhara Temple, Shankheshwar Temple, the Namje Thumki Hermitage and Homestay, Sunrise Buddha Park, Simshuwa Waterfall, the historic Sangurigadhi Fort, and Dhwaje Hill, providing visitors with a rich cultural and natural experience.
Organizers anticipate over 50,000 visitors to attend the festival, generating transactions exceeding NPR 30 million. Tourists from nearby cities like Dharan, Itahari, and Biratnagar, as well as districts such as Jhapa, Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Ilam, Tehrathum, and Khotang, are expected to participate. Additionally, attendees from Indian cities like Darjeeling and Siliguri have also added an international flavor to the event.
The festival continues to solidify Bhedetar’s position as a vibrant hub for tourism, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange in eastern Nepal.