National Reading Mela 2018 concludes

KATHMANDU, Jan 23: The second 'National Reading Mela 2018: Nepal Padhdai Cha' concluded at Rastriya Naach Ghar, Jamal on Monday with an attendance of over 3,000 participants. The three-day book fair was organized by Shiksha Nepal in coordination with National Volunteering Program.

The Mela had more than 10,000 books in Nepali and English languages, for every age group, on display at different stalls with 20 percent discount. More than 200 volunteers had been appointed for the three-day event.

The fair was graced by different Nepali writers like Madan Krishna Shrestha, Amar Neupane and Nayan Raj Pandey, among others, who came for book-signings and book discussions. The event also had music, dance, face painting, poetry competition and other activities along with stalls for hand-made bookmarks, recycled paper crafts and handmade bags as well as dolls.

"The main motive of the event was to establish and promote reading culture, and to motivate people to read more and to simply celebrate the joy of reading for self. After this event, we hope we gain at least two new readers," said Shiksha Nepal's Founder Prem Bahadur Bohara.

The organizers also announced their next target to collect 10 million books by the year 2030, and provide one book to every child.