In Pokhara,  the Nepali New Year was celebrated with much gusto at Pokhara’s iconic Lakeside by domestic tourists.

The Fewa New Year Festival was the catalyst to spur on the New Year celebrations. It was organised by Paschimanchal Hotel Association, with the aim of attracting local tourists. Judging by the turnout in Lakeside, it is safe to say that they have achieved more than they initially planned. Scores of tourists from Kathmandu and the Tarai regions descended upon Pokhara to celebrate the Nepali New Year.

“The hotels in the association had almost 90 percent occupancy,” said the hotel association’s president, Bikal Tulachand, “We were successful in making Pokhara a tourism hub during the Nepali New Year.”

The hotel association comprises of around 400 hotels containing a total of 18,000 beds. Besides the popular and nearby hotels, the less known hotels in places like Mahendrapool, Prithvi Chowk saw an increase in occupancy rates. For others not fortunate to get a room, they relied on their relatives and friends that had homes in Pokhara. “The event has been so good,” said Ram Chettri who came all the way from Kathmandu to enjoy the festivities.  

The large number of tourists from all over the country converged at Komagane Park in Lakeside, where the weather was exceptionally pleasant. The event which commenced on Tuesday, witnessed a slew of cultural programmes, pop concerts, dance programs, comedy events and much more. 

Even the restaurants in the area launched their own programmes. “To invigorate the New Year, we hosted special musical programmes with bands and DJs,” said Hari Paudel, manager of Paradiso Sports and Gril.

The festival, organised with the theme ‘Tourism, Culture and Food’, comprised of 45 commercial stalls and 15 food stalls. The food stalls were highly popular since they contained the delicacies from five star hotels along with local food to ensure no stomach was empty.

“This event has helped promote Pokhara as a tourism centre domestically and internationally,” said Bharat Raj Parajuli, a member of the hotel association.