Kathmandu, December 23:

The trend of organising district fairs and festivals is picking up lately. The district chambers are very eagerly organising fairs to promote and find new markets for indigenous products and at the same time promote domestic tourism.

“Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has been enthusiastically organising different festivals in different districts since 1995 with an aim to promote domestic tourism and give boost to local markets but number of districts participating

were few,” said Vishnu Raj Dhakal, senior officer at the FNCCI.

Earlier only two-three districts used to organise or participate in such fairs but the number has seen a steady rise in the recent years, he said adding that this year FNCCI has planned to organise around 30 festivals.

“But till date the total number of festivals organised this year is around 12,” he informed. Last year a total number of festivals conducted was 18, while the target was of 22.

Among the district chambers Butwal and Narayanghat are more active district chambers that are continuously organising industrial fairs and festival. Apart from Lekhnath festival that is being organised soon and Tanahun Festival that is being organised on January 9-18, various festivals have been organised this year like Industrial festival in Pokhara, the city of lakes.

Butwal and Narayanghat have participated in such fairs for about seven times and tomorrow also there is anotherfestival, while Kailali has organised fair continuously for the fourth time,

Kanchanpur for three times and Lekhnath Festival at Kaski is being organised is also for the fourth time.

However, the effectiveness of such festivals and benefits need to be assecced. “But one thing is for sure, these are being one of the major sources for income for the FNCCI,” he said.

Different districts are getting attracted towards organising festivals as they can recreate their identity as a tourist hub also.

According to FNCCI, Lekhnath festival that will be the biggest fair till date, will mainly focus on tourism and agricultural products. The 10-day fair is being inaugurated tomorrow. It is expected that around 0.15 million visitors will visit that fair that will have around 350 stalls. Handicrafts and garments firms from Kathmandu are also participating in the festival.

“Among different festival, Lumbini as the tourist spot was the best festival that attracted above 80,000 visitors in 10 days,” said Dhakal.