BANKE: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has said that trade fairs and festivals play a significant role in boosting the economy and promoting tourism across the country.
Inaugurating the Kohalpur Festival–2025 in Banke on Wednesday, Dhakal said such events energize economic activities at the local level and also contribute to positive change in the social sector.
Dhakal noted that he and other FNCCI central office-bearers arrived in Kohalpur despite adverse weather conditions, citing the strong enthusiasm shown by local entrepreneurs and the public as encouraging. “This festival will certainly help make Kohalpur economically dynamic by creating an investment-friendly environment and promoting entrepreneurship,” he said.
Former minister Maheshwor Gahatraj, speaking at the event, said the organization of the Kohalpur Festival was a matter of pride for the locality. He expressed confidence that the festival would help establish Kohalpur’s local identity and support its development.
Chairperson of the Kohalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and coordinator of the festival organizing committee, Pradeep Bhattarai, said the festival aims to strengthen efforts to develop Kohalpur as a trade hub. He added that the event is focused on promoting local products, generating employment and establishing Kohalpur’s identity at the national level.
Prior to the inauguration, cultural performances and rallies were organized, with large participation from local residents. The rally started from Cauraha and added vibrancy to the opening ceremony.
This is the seventh Kohalpur Festival to be held in Banke district since 2065 BS. The event features 300 display sections, including 10 thematic displays, 15 promotional stalls, 250 commercial product stalls and 22 hotel and hospitality services.
A specially designed ‘Tharu Village’ has been showcased as one of the main attractions of the festival.








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