Lekhnath Festival 2023: A Convergence of Culture, Commerce, and Community

19th Lekhnath Mahotsav from Thursday, December 21, 2023 to Monday, January 1, 2024

In Lekhnath, Pokhara, the much-anticipated 19th edition of the Lekhnath Festival is set to commence on December 21, 2023, Thursday. This annual event, spearheaded by the Lekhnath Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has been a staple in the community since its inception as a Suntala exhibition in 2001 AD and transformation into the Lekhnath festival in 2004 AD. Binod Shrestha, the President of LCCI and the festival's original coordinator expressed that the festival's core objective is to foster unity among people of diverse backgrounds and to showcase the Lekhnath region's unique products and culture.

The festival serves as a platform to market local products, including those from agricultural sectors and women entrepreneurs. Upendraraj Subedi 'Raju', the publicity coordinator of the festival and LCCI's first vice president, highlighted the festival's broader ambitions to buttress the national economy, enhance tourism, and facilitate the exchange of skills, knowledge, and technology among local and international producers.

The festival is anticipated to be a vibrant hub for promoting ethnic attire, arts, culture, and traditions, as well as attracting both local and international tourists. Ram Prasad Timilsina, Vice President of the Nepal Journalist Federation Kaski, noted the festival's consistent support from the Kaski community since its early days.

In addition to the economic and cultural objectives, this year's festival will feature a myriad of attractions including 3D art depicting the birthplace of the revered poet Shiromani Lekhnath Poudyal, LED stage promotions, e-service ticket purchasing, and performances by nationally acclaimed artists. The event will also host a food festival, national folk recitation, a poetry competition, and a plethora of cultural programs aimed at discovering new talent.

Honoring literary tradition, a commemorative session on the life and works of poet Shiromani Lekhnath Paudyal took place on December 18th, coupled with poetry readings and discussions. A school-level painting competition concluded on December 17th. The festival is not just a cultural celebration but also a testament to the community's spirit, as articulated by Rajendra Ojha, the festival's co-coordinator, who emphasized its role in bridging the gap between producers and consumers, thereby energizing the local economy. The opening ceremony will witness the senior vice president Rajendra Ojha playing host, with the general secretary hosting the reception.