KATHMANDU, APRIL 29 Nepalgunj city will host its first Tharu indigenous food festival beginning April 30, running for three days in an effort to preserve and promote the culinary traditions of the Tharu community. Organised by Soaltee Western Premier Nepal, the festival runs daily from early morning until 11:00 pm, with cultural performances scheduled each evening from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Entry is free, though visitors require a Rs 500 voucher to sample the food on offer. General Manager Raj Bikram Shah said experienced cooks would prepare traditional Tharu dishes for visitors, with the event designed to introduce the community's long-preserved food culture to both national and international audiences. Living traditions, arts, and cultural practices of the Tharu people will also be on display throughout the festival.