Elephant and Tourism Festival begins in Sauraha

CHITWAN, Dec 26;The 18th Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival began in Sauraha, a tourist area of Chitwan, starting Thursday.

Prakash Man Singh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Urban Development, launched the festival, which was organized by the Regional Hotel Association Nepal Chitwan. On the occasion, Minister Singh underlined the need of promoting tourism by making the event animal friendly. He stated that there is no use in opposing the elephant celebration in Sauraha, which is the foundation of Nepal's safari tourism.

A large rally with a jhaki was held before to the festival's start.

The rally began at the ticket counter at the entry to Chitwan National Park and concluded at Baghmara Ground, the festival location. The jhaki rally had women costumed in various caste robes, as well as elephants. On the opening day of the festival, a friendly elephant football penalty shootout was held today.

The festival, which will continue until December 30, will feature an elephant beauty competition, elephant feast, elephant-friendly football penalty shootout competition, elephant-friendly musical walk, elephant health check-up camp, municipality-level boat race competition, interaction on the topic of 'Possibilities of tourism in Chitwan yesterday and today', tableau display with local costumes and art and culture, promotion of women entrepreneurs and local agricultural products.

Entrepreneurs announced a 10% discount on food and lodging in hotels and restaurants for tourists visiting Sauraha from December 25 to 31.