Chitwan hosting First Indigenous Festival from March 22

Chitwan- ‘The First Indigenous Nationalities Cultural and Trade Festival’ is scheduled to take place on the bank of the Narayani River from March 22-31. The event is being organised by Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN).

The expo targeted at the Visit Bharatpur Year 2024 aims to promote linguistic, cultural and ethnic identities of the indigenous nationalities, according to NEFIN Chitwan Chair and event coordinator Mahendra Dura. The expo will feature 300 stalls and will see 17 cultural exhibitions almost each day during the festival period.

Chitwan is home to 40 indigenous nationalities and of its total population, 46 percent are indigenous nationalities who majorly belong to the Tharu, Darai, Kumal, Tamang, Bote, Chepang, Magar, Gurung, Thakali, Newar, Dura, Rai, Limbu, Bhujel, Hyolmo and Baram communities. The festival is estimated to cost around eight million to organise the event.