Baglung: President Ramchandra Paudel landed in Baglung Bazar, Baglung, today via a Nepal Army helicopter at 10:02 am, marking the commencement of his visit to inaugurate the seventh Baglung Festival. The President's helicopter touched down in the premises of the Nepal Army battalion at Upallachaur in Baglung municipality-4.

Upon arrival, Baglung's Chief District Officer, Khagendra Rijal, extended a warm welcome to the Head of the State, who is scheduled to inaugurate the prominent cultural event. President Paudel's itinerary also includes paying homage to the Baglung-based Kalika Temple.

After a visit to the temple, President Ramchandra Paudel participated in a special puja dedicated to goddess Baglung Kakila, spending approximately 20 minutes in the religious observance. The puja was conducted with the assistance of the temple's main priest, Jay Bahadur Khadka. During the ceremony, the President received an 'letter of honour' and a 'token of love' from the Kalika Bhagawati Temple Guthi Management Committee.

President Paudel is set to visit the Kundule-based Saligram Museum in Baglung municipality-4, as announced by Naresh Kandel, the President of Baglung Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Seventh Baglung Festival, which had been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has resumed after a four-year hiatus. The event, scheduled to run until January 6, boasts over 120 stalls and anticipates an attendance of around 700 thousand people. Festivities include open women and men volleyball tournaments, an open duet song competition, and a youth entrepreneur conference.

Notably, entry is free for individuals who were injured during the armed conflict, as stated by the Chamber. The festival aims to revive the spirit of the community and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Baglung.