Pokhara, 25 December| The 21st edition of the Lekhnath Festival, currently being held in Kaski, has evolved into a prominent platform for the promotion of local production, agriculture, and culture. Originally initiated in 2004 (2061 BS) as the ‘Orange Festival’, the event has now expanded into a comprehensive exhibition that drives the regional economy. On Monday, the fifth day of the festival, an ‘Agricultural Discourse’ was organized to facilitate direct communication between farmers, policymakers, and consumers. During the session, fish farmer Yagya Prasad Acharya, cardamom grower Surendra Jung Chhetri, and poultry entrepreneur Baburam Giri shared their struggles and success stories. Additionally, Senior Crop Protection Officer Salikram Adhikari provided insights into government subsidies and technical support programs, emphasizing the need for robust collaboration between the state and the farming community.
Beyond its commercial success, the festival has integrated literature and culture into its core activities. In memory of the legendary poet Kavi Shiromani Lekhnath Paudyal, the organizers have introduced an interactive literary quiz. According to literary coordinator Krishna Prasad Dhungana, participants are awarded cash prizes for correctly answering questions related to the life and works of the late poet. This year, the festival also features a special felicitation of Dr. Bodh Raj Dhakal for his doctoral research on Paudyal. The cultural segments, including Ratyauli, folk duets, and school-level dance competitions, continue to attract large crowds, blending traditional values with modern entertainment.
The festival has witnessed remarkable economic turnover and visitor participation this season. Publicity Coordinator Dhrubababu Bhattarai reported that 28,000 visitors attended the festival on Monday alone, resulting in a transaction of 11 million rupees in a single day. Historically, the festival has hosted over 4 million visitors and facilitated nearly 1.5 billion rupees in cumulative business transactions across its 21 editions. By stimulating the local market and providing direct benefits to small and medium enterprises, the Lekhnath Festival has become a cornerstone of regional prosperity. Organizers are optimistic that both attendance and trade will reach new heights in the coming days, further solidifying the festival’s role in preserving cultural heritage and boosting the local economy.
