Dhangadhi :

We’ve seen different festivals observed in our country but perhaps this is the first time that a dolphin festival was held. The two-day Dolphin Festival-2063 was held at Bhajani of Kailali on July 21 and 22 to raise awareness among the people about dolphins and the necessity to protect these water creatures.

According to the organisers, over 2,000 people visited the festival where a variety of dances were also performed.

Naturalists say dolphins can be found in four countries of the world — China, Pakistan, Brazil and India. However, persons involved in dolphin preservation work here claimed there are over 130 dolphins in Mohana of Bhajani. Known as swansu or sons or sus in Nepali, the dolphin is also said to be found in Karnali, Koshi, Narayani and Mahakali rivers of our country, but so far this claim has not been proved.

Many dolphins can be seen at the triangular point of meeting of the Mohana, Pathariya and Kanda rivers in Kailali.

Chairman of the Dolphin Preservation Centre, Guleli Baje,claimed that there are more than 130 dolphins in this area. “Dolphins remain here for around three months and return by Karnali and Ghagara river,” he said.

Dolphins are said to be the second intelligent creatures, second only to man.

Fourteen dolphin preservation sub-centres have been established with locals pitching in their efforts at the preservation of this intelligent creature. However, Guleli Baje lamented that the government had not shown any interest to preserving the dolphins.