Bandipur: Preparations are underway to conclude the Bandipur Visit Year with a grand three-day cultural celebration at Bandipur of Tanahu district starting from coming December 30. The celebration will feature the Tamu Lhosar celebration and Kauraha folk dance (also known as Chutka) performance in the historic hilltop town, also known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. This folk dance is believed to have originated in Tanahu.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Sampada Nepal’s Chairperson Harisingh Gurung shared that a significant portion of the local population still follows the traditional dance performance. To further promote and preserve this cultural heritage, the local municipality is organizing the Kauraha dance performance, a food festival, and other cultural events as part of the closing ceremony of the Bandipur Visit Year 2025.
The Bandipur Visit Year 2025 closing ceremony will commence with a Kauraha dance performance on December 30 by a troupe of local artistes. Gurung added that the second day, on the eve of New Year 2026, will feature performances by musical bands. The celebration will conclude with a food festival on the third day, with national-level artistes scheduled to perform.
Baisha Gurung, a coordinator for Bandipur Visit Year 2025, mentioned that arrangements have been made for transportation via cable car, in addition to roadways, to the historic town, which is renowned for its tribal villages, lush green forests, and many shrines and natural heritages, including verdant forests and ancient caves. He also revealed that the Bandipur rural municipality has decided to observe 2026 as the Adventure Tourism Year in Bandipur.
Currently, Bandipur town hosts 75 hotels and four home-stay facilities, while the Bandipur rural municipality has 120 hotels and 12 home-stay facilities, capable of accommodating up to 1,700 guests daily. Bandipur, which has been attracting approximately 100,000 tourists annually, launched the Bandipur Visit Year 2025 at the beginning of the year, with an aim to draw 1,700 tourists daily.