Dolpa’s Historic Shelri Dugdra (Shey) Festival in first week of September 2024
The preparations for the 67th 12-year Shelri Dugdra (Shey) Festival to be held at Shelri Sumdho Monastery in Shey Phoksundo-3, Saldang, Dolpa, have reached the final stage. This was announced by Dawa Samduk Gurung, Chairman of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality, during a press conference in Kathmandu on Thursday.
The festival, scheduled from 1-6 September, will feature religious teachings, cultural programs, horse races, and other activities showcasing the lifestyle of Upper Dolpa. Chairman Gurung also mentioned that free eye treatments and surgeries, along with health camps, will be organized in collaboration with the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology.
Speaking at the press conference, Chairman Gurung highlighted that despite Dolpa’s underdevelopment, it holds significant potential as a tourist destination. He described Dolpa as a hidden land ideal for adventure tourism. He expressed hope that the Shelri Dugdra (Shey) Festival would highlight Dolpa’s multicultural aspects, offering tourists diverse experiences due to its cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity.
The organizers noted that visitors could experience unique cultures like the Khas, Masto, and Tarali, and religious traditions including Bon and Buddhism, along with languages like Khas, Kaike, and Dolpo. Attractions include Tripurasundari Temple and Vyas Tapobhumi. They expect over 15,000 attendees at the festival, with preparations for drinking water, temporary housing, toilets, and other facilities nearly complete.
The 67th 12-year Shelri Dugdra (Shey) Festival is organized by the main organizing committee for the year 2081, along with Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality, Dolpo Buddha Rural Municipality, and Chharka Tangsong Rural Municipality. Pema Wangchen Gurung, Vice-Chairman of Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality and Coordinator of the Promotion Committee, emphasized the festival’s significance in promoting not just Dolpa but all of Nepal’s tourism. He mentioned that the festival aims to highlight Dolpa’s geography, culture, art, historical values, and natural beauty to the world, making it a crucial moment for Dolpa’s future. He called for everyone’s support and cooperation to make the festival a success.
The program’s chief guest, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal Indira Rana Magar, noted Dolpa’s natural beauty and stated that such religious festivals and events would help people better understand its culture and way of life.
Hikmat Singh Ayer, Senior Director of Nepal Tourism Board, remarked that this festival is important not only for its religious significance but also for its cultural impact, and if promoted well, it could be a milestone for tourism development in Dolpa.
