Chitwan, 28 December: The 18th Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival is currently underway in Sauraha, Chitwan, Nepal, from December 26 to 30, 2024. This annual event, organized by the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, aims to promote domestic and international tourism in the region.
A highlight of the festival is the elephant feast, scheduled for the third day, December 28. During this event, elephants are treated to a variety of their favorite foods, providing a unique spectacle for visitors and fostering a deeper appreciation for these majestic animals.
In response to concerns from animal rights activists, this year’s festival has made significant changes to its program. Traditional events such as elephant polo, football, and races have been discontinued to ensure the well-being of the elephants. Instead, the festival features an elephant beauty contest, elephant picnic, and elephant-friendly musical walk, focusing on humane and ethical interactions with the animals.
The festival also includes a variety of other activities, such as boat races and cultural performances, aimed at entertaining tourists and promoting local culture. Additionally, there will be an interaction session discussing the potential and challenges of Chitwan’s tourism, involving local government representatives, businesspersons, and the tourism board.
The Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival has been a significant event since its inception in 1997 (2055 BS), contributing to a 25 to 30 percent increase in tourist arrivals in Sauraha each year. The festival not only offers entertainment but also plays a crucial role in promoting wildlife protection and conservation in the region.
