Pokhara, 25 December| Preparations for the 14th Pokhara Festival, organized by United Club Pokhara, have been significantly ramped up as the event date approaches. Scheduled to take place from January 13 to January 25, 2026 (Poush 29 to Magh 11), at the Amarsingh Ground, the festival aims to blend cultural celebration with meaningful social causes. On Tuesday, a joint meeting of the festival’s sub-committees and advisors was held to discuss logistical arrangements and strategic goals. During the meeting, advisor Dr. Krishna KC emphasized that the festival should evolve according to current circumstances and highlight the club’s achievements in social service, particularly calling for collaboration with government bodies for the conservation of the Seti River.
Various stakeholders and advisors shared creative suggestions to enhance the festival’s impact and inclusivity. Sudeep Acharya, acting principal of Amarsingh Secondary School, suggested including exhibitions of innovative materials created by students to boost their engagement. Other advisors pointed out the necessity of involving all 33 wards of Pokhara Metropolitan City to foster a sense of local ownership. Discussions also touched upon making the festival environment-friendly and integrating literary programs to celebrate Pokhara as a capital of both tourism and literature. The meeting also highlighted the need for efficient parking management and the inclusion of high-profile artists to attract a larger audience.
The main coordinator of the festival, Lok Bahadur Thapa, expressed confidence that collective efforts would make this edition a grand success. Founding President of United Club, Himalaya Bakhrel, noted that the income from past Pokhara Festivals directly contributed to the establishment of the Pokhara Open Zoo. He further shared that the club is now focusing on building a residential hostel for underprivileged students using the proceeds from the upcoming event. By showcasing the club’s contributions to education, health, sports, and tourism, the 14th Pokhara Festival intends to serve as a platform for regional development while providing a vibrant cultural experience for both domestic and international visitors.
