Dhangadi, November 22

Carnivals have overwhelmed the hills of the Far-west Province for the last 15 days.

Carnivals have been held in almost every village in the hills for the past two weeks. Villages in the Far-west districts such as Doti, Achham, Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Darchula, Bajhang and Bajura are relishing carnivals that began from the day of Bhaitika.

Hundreds of carnivals are held in the hills of the province during this period, with the most notable ones being — Doti’s Badikedar, Chakakedar, Shiladevi (Shaileshwori), Dadheldhura’s Badal, Ugratara (Dehi), Bajhang’s Chaiteli, Achham’s Masta and Baitadi’s Basuling.

Culture expert Dr Badri Prasad Binadi said the carnivals could draw a horde of tourists if promoted well, while another culture expert Lokraj Joshi dwelt on the religious and recreational significance of these carnivals. Doti’s Badikedar Conservation Development Committee Vice-chairperson Khadak Bohara informed that the number of religious tourists arriving for the carnivals had increased considerably in recent years.

The committee aims to attract around 5,000 Indian tourists this year during this carnival season. As per belief, childless couples can have kids if they observe a fast during the carnival and pay obeisance at Badikedar shrine.