LAMJUNG: Locals of Upper Manang used to travel on horses before motorable roads reached their village. After the road was extended to their village, locals started selling their horses for motorcycles.

However, the so called modernization has marred their traditional festival called ‘Yartung’. This festival is observed by riding horses.  Locals of Tanki and Manang villages jointly organize a horse race to celebrate Yartung which falls in the monsoon season.

This time, leaders of both the villages introduced a provision of fine for those who do not participate in the festival. “Rs 3,000 fine is imposed  on a youth who fails to participate in the festival,” said Binod Gurung, chairman of Tourism Entrepreneurs’ Association, Manang.

The provision of fine has been introduced to protect the traditional festival Yartung, said Gurung.