KATHMANDU, July 30: The preparation for the Yartung festival, which is held annually in Muktinath– a holy place of pilgrimage in the mountainous region of Mustang district– has kicked off.

Earlier, the Yartung festival, which was observed just as a formality for the past two years due to COVID-19 and the restriction imposed on organizing any kinds of gatherings of more than 25 people by the then government. However, the festival will be held this year from August 8 to 12 in all of its glory again.

The festival has been observed in the Mustang region since ancient times and is observed every year on the day of Janai Purnima. In the local language, Yartung is a combination of Yar and Tung meaning Monsoon and Farewell, respectively. The festival is a celebration of welcoming winter and the farewell monsoon season.

The local Purang Janapriya Youth Club has also organized various sports competitions including football, archery, horse racing and tug of war, participated and competed by the local villages of the region.  Similarly other cultural programs are also held during the four-day long Yartung festival along with the arrangements for cultural and entertainment programs with renowned artists and musicians. 

The local residents welcome domestic and foreign tourists to witness and celebrate the festival. They can enjoy nail biting horse races during the festival as well. 

 
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