Kathmandu, 1 May: A two-day “Village Tourism Fair” has begun today (Friday) in Bandipur, a well-known tourist town in Tanahun District. The event has brought a vibrant atmosphere to the area, as representatives from more than 30 community homestays across all 10 districts of Gandaki Province, along with local artists, have gathered to showcase their unique cultural identities, traditions, and authentic local cuisines.
The fair is jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and Bandipur Rural Municipality. It aims to promote rural tourism by highlighting traditional lifestyles, locally made products, and indigenous food. Visitors from neighboring districts have flocked to Bandipur to experience the rich diversity of rural Nepal in one place, significantly boosting the town’s tourism appeal during the event.
According to Surendra Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality, the gathering of guests and tourists from different districts has transformed Bandipur into what feels like a “mini Gandaki Province.” The fair vividly reflects the cultural richness and unity of the region.
One of the main attractions of the event is the performance of traditional cultural dances representing various ethnic communities. These include rare and endangered performances such as Kaura, Sorathi, and Ghatu dances, which are being showcased to preserve and promote Nepal’s intangible cultural heritage. In addition, more than 30 stalls have been set up, displaying organic agricultural products from rural areas as well as handmade crafts, giving local producers a platform to connect directly with consumers.
Senior Director Mani Raj Lamichhane from the Nepal Tourism Board stated that the fair provides an important opportunity to strengthen ties between rural homestay operators and urban tourism entrepreneurs, helping to expand business networks and collaboration.
As part of the event, a special panel discussion titled “Journey to Prosperity through Village Tourism” will be held on Baisakh 19 at 10:00 AM. Moderated by journalist Jamuna Barsha, the discussion will feature prominent speakers including Krishna Acharya, Ashutosh Pradhan, Dr. Anu Kumari Lama, and Prakash Chandra Gurung.
Later the same day at 12:15 PM, another discussion program titled “What Kind of Village? What Kind of City?” will take place. This session will include tourism experts and entrepreneurs such as Bharat Basnet, Tikaram Sapkota, Taranath Pahari, and editor R.K. Adipta Giri, with moderation by journalist Amrit Subedi.
Bandipur, known for its beautifully preserved stone-paved streets, traditional architecture, diverse ethnic cultures, and stunning Himalayan views, is being developed as a tourism hub linking major destinations like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Sauraha. Events like this fair are expected to play a crucial role in promoting sustainable rural tourism and opening new pathways for economic growth in the region.
