Sauraha's 18th Elephant and Tourism Festival in Nepal Thrives as Global Visitors Gather for New Year and Christmas Celebrations in Chitwan

In the heart of Nepal's Sauraha, Chitwan, the 18th Elephant and Tourism Festival is captivating both local and international visitors with its festive atmosphere. This five-day event, aligning with the English New Year and Christmas celebrations, is held at the Baghmara Intermediate Community Forest adjacent to the renowned Chitwan National Park. The festival, which concludes on December 30, serves as a beacon for tourism in the region, attracting enthusiasts eager to experience its unique offerings.

The festival's program is rich with engaging activities such as elephant parades, a beauty contest, and notably, elephant football, along with an endearing elephant picnic. This year, the festival is proud to host over 80 elephants, including those from both private owners and government-run facilities. A highlight of the festival is the elephant football competition where elephants like Champakali, Basnatikali, and Ramkali showcase their skills in penalty shootouts, captivating the audience with their incredible agility and spirit.

In an effort to address animal rights concerns, organizers have made significant changes this year, including the removal of elephant polo from the event's roster. Ensuring the welfare of the participating elephants, they now enjoy frequent breaks with a 7-minute sugarcane snack after every 5 minutes of play, adhering to guidelines set forth by the Human Rights Commission.

Beyond the elephant-centric events, the festival also offers cultural performances that feature traditional costumes and music, enriching visitors' experiences. Tourists are invited to interact more closely with the gentle giants during the daily elephant picnics, where they can feed and bond with them.

Local hotels are contributing to the festival's success by offering discounts on accommodations and dining, which has helped to increase hotel occupancy rates in Sauraha from 40% to 65% during the event.

As the Elephant and Tourism Festival continues to evolve, it remains a cherished event that promises a memorable blend of wildlife experiences and cultural festivities, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to enrich their travel experiences.