'Dailekh Festival 2080' to take place in Karnali from Feb 9 to 18

KATHMANDU: Dailekh Chamber of Commerce and Industry is preparing to host the 'Dailekh Festival 2080' in Karnali Province from February 9 to 18.

During a press meet held in Kathmandu on Wednesday, it was announced that the festival will be conducted at the district headquarters of Dailekh, in coordination with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

Dailekh, a district known for its stunning natural scenery, is bordered by Jajarkot to the east, Achham to the west, Kalikot to the north, and Surkhet to the south. The district spans from Tallo Dhungeshwar at an altitude of 544m to Mahabulek at 4,168m, showcasing a rich diversity of both biological and cultural aspects.

Situated between two large rivers, Bheri and Karnali, within the Mahabharat range, Dailekh has an abundance of natural resources and holds significant religious and historical importance.

Dailekh, which also serves as the district headquarters, is situated 68km from Birendranagar (Surkhet), the capital of Karnali Province, and approximately 650km from the federal capital, Kathmandu.

Politically, the mid-hilly district of Dailekh is divided into four municipalities and seven rural municipalities. It comprises two parliamentary seats and four provincial seats.

Dailekh boasts numerous tourist attractions of archaeological, aquatic, forest, land, religious, cultural, and historical significance. Major religious sites in Dailekh include Shiristhan, Nabhisthan, Padukasthan, Kotila, and Dhuleshwar under Panchakoshi. Some major temples include the Swami Kartik temple, Ganesh temple at Dailekh Bazaar, and Narayan temple, Chamunda Devi temple, Bilaspur Bhairava temple, Malika Devi temple, Buki Mai temple among others. Likewise, tourist destinations include Guranse Lek, Rakam Karnali, Dhaurvani Gufa, Dwariko Jharana, Ghoda Tal, Bhairavakunda, Tolijaisiko Thulo Chhahari, and Lalikandako Gufa.

With its diverse castes, monasteries, temples, archaeological sites and geological attractions, there are opportunities to develop religious and tourist areas.

Khas (Nepali language), culture, and caste of medieval Nepal were named after places — Dahal from Daha, Parajuli from Parajul, Bhurtel from Bhurti, Dulal from Dullu, Koirala from Koiralagaun, Dawadi from Dawada, Kattel from Katti, Lamsal from Lamsu, Nepal from Nepa, Batsyal from Bansi. Dailekh, which is the origin of Pokharel from Pokhara and a part of the Sinja kingdom, is also culturally significant. With the migration of people from Baglung, Kaski, Gorkha, and Syangja, Dailekh has rich cultural diversity.

The district has the potential for the development of religious and historical tourism and trekking routes as roads to Jumla, Humla, and Mansarovar go through Dailekh. The ‘Dailekh Festival 2080’ (Karnali Province industrial, tourism, agriculture, and trade fair) is being organised considering these opportunities.

During the press meet, it was announced that the festival aims to promote various sectors such as industry, business, tourism, agriculture, education, health, and culture for the overall economic and social development of Dailekh.

The festival will showcase various agricultural products, seeds, fertilisers, agricultural tools, technology and equipment, herbs and medicines, and exhibitions related to tourism and education.

The festival will focus on commercial upliftment and promotion of exportable goods to strengthen the domestic market.

The organisers anticipate attracting 100,000 visitors and generating business worth Rs 20 million at the festival, thereby accelerating local economic development.

The organisers stated that the festival would create investment opportunities by promoting the handicraft business, the market for agricultural products, garments, and leather shoes. 

The 10-day festival will include free sightseeing tours of important religious and tourist places while the fun fair will feature various folk dances including Raute, Hudke, Dholaki, Mayur, Maruni, Sorathi, Khyali, Paisari, Taktuke.

The FNCCI will serve as the patron for the 10-day festival, while the Nepal Tourism Board will act as the promoter.