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Over 200,000 visit first Kirtipur Fair
Despite the fuel crisis in the country, more than 200,000 people have visited the first ever Kirtipur Fair, which entered its ninth day on Saturday, according to organisers.Despite the fuel crisis in the country, more than 200,000 people have visited the first ever Kirtipur Fair, which entered its ninth day on Saturday, according to organisers.
Kirtipur Industrial, Cultural, Tourism and Trade Fair 2015, which began from October 2 at Naya Bazar, is the first commercial fair in the city organised for the promotion of local products and culture. The fair, organised by Audyogik Shanti Nepal Sanstha (ASNS) in association with Naya Bazar Club, has 200 stalls featuring local agricultural and home-made products, handicrafts, food, clothing, utensils, shoes and electronic gadgets.
“Participation of the people is encouraging despite the fuel shortages,” ASNS Chairman Sandeep Mahat said. “Had the country’s situation been normal, the footfalls would have been even more. Transactions have so far amounted to Rs25 million.”
Apart from the products put on sale, the fair also features cultural and entertainment programmes. More than two dozen artists have performed so far, Mahat said.
Due to the shortage of fuel, the organisers, however, have not been able to operate amusement rides as planned.
Avinash Adhikari of Kirtipur, who was seen purchasing clothes, said he did his Dashain shopping in the fair itself and did not travel to Kathmandu like in the past. “At a time when it is difficult to travel and goods are hard to find, the fair has helped the locals,” he said. “The best part is the products here are cheaper than in Kathmandu stores.”
According to the organisers, exhibitors are offering up to 50 percent discount. Naya Bazar Club Chairman Ishwormani Bajracharya said their main target was to provide visitors with high-quality products at competitive rates.
One of the organisers, Pawan Agrawal, said the fair has helped Kirtipur to showcase its tourism and commercial potential. “The city has missed out on its share of opportunities being in the shadows of Kathmandu,” he said. “The fair will boost development work in Kirtipur as it will generate business opportunities and help tourism promotion.”
The fair will run through October 17. Entry is free.