Pokhara welcomed the English New Year in its signature style as the deafening firecrackers set the tone for the celebration. Locals and tourists took to the streets of Lakeside, where the Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (REBAN) has been organising the Street Festival for over two decades to mark the occasion.

This year, the 26th Street Festival, spanning five days, began on December 28, inviting visitors to celebrate and dine on the streets of Lakeside. Vehicles were prohibited on the main streets, starting from Sahid Chowk to Hallan Chowk. Once you reach the streets by Basundhara Park, the event’s allure becomes evident, with expectant vendors displaying their goods in anticipation. A two-minute walk ahead, and multitudes of lights from either side of the lounges glare into your eyes. Where there weren’t fancy lounges, there were small stalls.

Restaurants, small eateries, and other businesses set up stalls, selling items at higher prices than usual. Food stalls displayed various delicacies, luring visitors to stop by. Although this mega festival was widely praised for its charm and grandeur, many weren’t pleased with the pricing. Lakeside’s restaurants and lounges rely heavily on the Street Festival for revenue, viewing it as an opportunity to maximise profits. Despite the high prices, people still purchased and enjoyed the offered items.

“Everything is expensive here. Even a plate of momo costs double or sometimes triple. But then, Lakeside is a lavish place, and you can’t complain,” said Bhakta Adhikari, 33, while enjoying a plate of momo at a stall near Centre Point.

A huge crowd marked their presence throughout the festival and went berserk, partying away like there was no tomorrow. Youths walked in groups, cupping beer cans and nodding to music emanating from the lounges. While their energy aligned with the hustle and bustle of Lakeside, some troublemakers caused an unnecessary ruckus, spoiling the friendly and safe environment. “There should be strict security provisions to address such unnecessary hullabaloo caused by some contemptuous people. If unable to enforce proper security, it directly harms businesses,” said Amina Shrestha, recounting an incident from last year when some drunk boys intentionally got in her way.

Of late, not only young people but also elderly individuals have been attending the festival, thanks to innovative ideas catering to older generations' preferences. Groups of older attendees took delight in watching bhajan performances on the streets. Like in previous years, the Panche Baja stole the show, provoking people to swing their arms to its loud and rhythmic beats.

“I’m here because my grandson told me there would be Panche Baja. The sound of the Baja always feels good to my ears,” said Harilal Bhattarai, coughing but craning his neck to watch a couple dancing to the traditional musical beats. Nisha Aryal, a Kathmandu resident, had come to Pokhara with her friends for the festival. “The rhythmic sound of Panche Baja always fascinated me. When I was a child, a group would be called to play baja at weddings, and I would always dance clumsily,” said Aryal.

The Street Festival plays a significant role in Pokhara’s economy, already bolstered by its tourism industry. This year, Lakeside added one more feather to its cap with the inaugural International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Pame Phaat. It garnered more attention, adding to the charm of the Street Festival.

During the English New Year, nearly all the hotel rooms in Lakeside and other parts of Pokhara are booked, reflecting a massive influx of tourists. Hotel rooms were fully occupied this year, too. On New Year’s Eve, navigating the crowd is challenging; if you don’t pay attention, there’s a high chance of getting separated from your group.

Apart from the main street where the festival took place, the footpaths were equally bustling, with people walking by as they relished the sight of lights reflecting on Phewa Lake. The hills of Sarangkot and the World Peace Stupa, seen from Phewa Lake, looked mesmerising thanks to their attractive lighting.

Foreign and Nepali tourists who weren’t interested in the massive gathering chose to seek refuge in the cafes by Phewa Lake. However, the infectious celebration on the main street reached this area, too, as astrologers, vendors, tea sellers, and even scammers waited for potential customers. The most disturbing sight was a group of scammers hosting elusive games that only benefited the organisers. Many scammers playing Three Disc Monte sat on the footpaths, unnoticed by authorities. This isn’t good for Lakeside’s reputation, and it calls for stricter inspection by the authorities, as these scammers are active, not just on New Year’s Eve.

Numerous stages, spaced regularly, exhibited cultural dances and artistic performances by seasoned and local artists. The festival had it all: lok dohori, pop, rap, and mimicry. On the main stage at Basundhara Park, popular figures like Sabin Rai and Purna Rai performed, elevating the grandeur of Nepal’s biggest street festival. There’s no room for complaints about the festival’s magnificence, as its inclusive approach painted a microcosm of Nepal—a country full of cultural and culinary diversity. However, certain aspects could be improved in the coming years. Parking facilities, security enforcement, and food hygiene should be reviewed to ensure mismanagement doesn’t mar this festival’s elegance.