OKHALDHUNGA, Nov 6: Pokali cultural festival has been organized in the district with an aim to attract 20,000 domestic as well as international tourists during Visit Nepal Year (VNY) 2020. Pokali is regarded as the country's second highest waterfall.
Padma Kumari Aryal, Minister of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation inaugurated the event on Saturday. Locals organized various exhibitions and other events during the 2-day event. Cultural and musical shows were also held on the occasion.
Aryal asked the people to do their best for the success of VNY 2020. She asked all to promote local culture of the district and natural beauty of Pokali waterfall to attract tourists from all over.
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Member of Parliament Yagya Raj Sunuwar announced that Rs 5 million would be provided for developing infrastructure in the Pokali waterfall area.
He also stressed on the promotion of historic, religious, and cultural heritages of the district to make VNY 2020 campaign successful.
There are plans to host a similar festival in Molung Rural Municipality, Sepali waterfall festival, to boost local tourism.
Mohan Khadka, chairman of finance committee of Province 1 assembly, said that the provincial government was doing its utmost to promote tourism. The provincial government has been organizing different programs and events for promoting tourism, according to Khadka.
Nepal government has listed Pokali waterfall and Thole Demba hill among the 100 domestic tourist destinations.
Milan Kumar Bista, chairperson of Pokali Waterfall Service Society, stated that the waterfall should be promoted and proper infrastructure should be built to reap the benefits of tourism in the area. He also called for the promotion of home-stays in the area.
The Pokali waterfall is 130 meters high. In 2008, a festival was held to promote Pokali waterfall for the first time.
Former Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal had then promised to support promotion of Pokali waterfall for tourism. Last year, the government published postal stamps of Pokali waterfall.
