Pokhara, December 28

The five-day 18th Pokhara Street Festival kicked off on the banks of the Fewa Lake in Komagane, Pokhara from today.

Minister for Urban Development Arjun Narsingh KC inaugurated the festival today amongst much fanfare.Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal, Pokhara, has organised the festival.

Festival Coordinator Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai said the festival stressed on food items, music and cultural programme. “The festival is being celebrated with the slogan ‘Eat on the Street, Dance on the Street and Enjoy on the Street’ along a three-kilometre road stretch,” he said.

REBAN Chairman Chauba Bahadur Gurung said the festival aims to promote domestic and international tourism in Pokhara. “We have been planning to develop Pokhara as a hub to celebrate Christmas and the English New Year,” he informed.

Entrepreneurs said they have offered 15 per cent discount on their menu and 20 per cent discount for hotel stay. They informed that restaurants are operating on the road along the Lakeside.

Cultural programmes were organised on the road stretch from Hallanchowk to Komagane Park prior to inauguration of the festival. Minister KC also started work on conservation of the park.