CHITWAN: The 19th Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival concludes today with the traditional worship of elephants and a special feast organized in their honor.
Elephant worship will be held on the final day of the festival, reflecting the long-standing tradition of venerating elephants as divine beings. A special buffet-style feast has also been arranged for the participating elephants, according to festival coordinator Gunaraj Thapaliya.
“This year, the elephant feast will be organized in a buffet style. The elephants’ favorite foods will be served, and they will be free to eat as much as they like,” Thapaliya said.
Around 80 elephants owned by government bodies and private companies have taken part in various festival activities.
The festival featured a range of entertainment events, including an elephant beauty contest, boat race competition, penalty shootout, and other activities. Considering the interest of both domestic and foreign tourists, a glimpse of the world-famous elephant polo was also showcased at the festival venue, Baghmara Ground, on Saturday.
Although the full elephant polo match could not be conducted, Thapaliya said spectators and visiting tourists were excited to witness the demonstration.
Meanwhile, hotels in Sauraha have been fully booked over the past two days as visitors arrived to observe the festival.
The festival is organized annually in late December at Baghmara Ground in Sauraha. Ratnanagar Municipality serves as the patron, while the United Elephant Operation Cooperatives Society Limited is the co-organizer.
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