KATHMANDU, AUGUST 22

World Vegan Organisation Nepal is set to organise the biggest plant-based event - 'The Himalayan Vegan Festival 2022' in Lumbini, Kathmandu, and Pokhara.

The programme is aimed at spreading awareness regarding a healthy plantbased diet as well as promoting plant-based culinary tourism. The pre-event of the festival will take place in Lumbini from September 12 to 14, the main event in Kathmandu from September 15 to 17, and the third phase in Pokhara from September 18 to 20.

According to the organisers, this festival will be the first and largest purely vegetarian festival in the country. The event will take place at Soaltee Hotel in Kathmandu and at Hotel Grand in Pokhara.

Speaking at a press conference held here today, Ajit KC, general secretary of the organisation, said that with the increase in the trend of plant-based diets among tourists, vegan products produced in Nepal can be exported, benefiting the economy. He said that the festival will help to increase the 'food culture' of Nepal and also contribute to the country's tourism.

The organisers also shared that the aim of this festival is to create an opportunity to expand the relationship between pure vegetarians, compassionate life practices, and animal conservationists, as well as to spread awareness to the general public about veganism. The programme will have more than 100 internationally renowned speakers from across the globe, the participation of representatives and celebrities, and 75 exhibitions in total.

Similarly, various stalls will be placed at the festival where visitors will be able to taste authentic plantbased foods, participate in challenges, and cooking classes, meet local and international chefs, join interaction programmes, and learn about animal rights, among others.

A version of this article appears in the print on August 23, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.