15 days, 430 stalls, endless excitement at Chitwan Mahotsav 2081
Chitwan’s pride and prestigious event, the Chitwan Mahotsav, is set to commence on 9 January (25 Poush), at the Narayani Riverbank Exhibition Ground. The festival has been organized every two years since 1996, and this year marks its 15th edition.
At a press conference on Thursday, the organizers highlighted the Mahotsav’s role in promoting agriculture, education, health, tourism, and the overall economic, social, and cultural development of Chitwan and its surrounding areas. According to Suman Kumar Shrestha, President of the Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event will feature 430 stalls showcasing a wide range of products and services.
Tickets for the Mahotsav have been priced at NPR 100 for the general public and NPR 50 for students. Visitors can purchase tickets both physically and online. The organizers anticipate a turnout of around 500,000 attendees, including domestic and international tourists, and project a transaction volume exceeding NPR 3 billion over the 15-day event. President Shrestha expressed hope that the Mahotsav would energize the economy, which has been sluggish due to market challenges.
A food festival, aimed at promoting traditional Nepali cuisine, will also be held at Campa Chaur in Narayangarh from 9 Jan to 23 Jan (Poush 25-Magh 10). This culinary celebration has been a highlight of previous Mahotsavs and will continue to showcase local delicacies.
To ensure visitor safety, the Mahotsav will have dedicated arrangements, including ambulances, rescue teams, first aid centers, daily health camps, and free medical check-ups throughout the event.