First Red Panda and Thar Festival Begins in Khotang

The "First Red Panda and Thar Festival" started on New Year’s Day, 2082, as part of the "Mundum Trail Visit Year" in Khotang district. 

The festival being held at Hurlung, a popular tourist spot, under the aegis of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi municipality aims to contribute to the conservation of endangered animals, including the red panda and the thar, a rare Himalayan goat.

The festival will run for two days and features cultural performances, organic food, displays of traditional costumes and local products.

During the festival, photos and videos of endangered animals will also be shown.

Local communities are excited about the event and people from different backgrounds are taking part in the festival that features local products and cultural shows.

Bhupal Rai, the chancellor of Nepal Academy, officially opened the festival, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation.

Local officials, national and district-level political leaders, economists, artists and researchers also attended the opening ceremony.

The event also saw the launch of a new trekking route, the "Mundum Trail Red Panda-Thar Route," according to Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, 
mayor of the municipality.