Lekhnath (Kaski): The much-anticipated 20th Phewa New Year Festival-2082 began today in Pokhara, bringing vibrant celebrations, cultural showcases, and tourist-friendly offers to the Lake City ahead of the Nepali New Year.

Organized by the Hotel Association of Pokhara, the three-day tourism festival will run through April 14, transforming the Khaharechowk to Damsite stretch into a cultural corridor filled with food, music, and tradition.

As part of the celebration, Pokhara hotels are offering a 20 percent discount to visiting tourists. According to Association President and Festival Coordinator Laxman Subedi, this year’s special highlight is the inclusion of Bhaktapur's iconic Bisket Jatra, a historic Newar festival rarely seen outside Kathmandu Valley.

The festival will also spotlight the authentic culture of 11 districts in Gandaki Province, with performances of traditional bhajans, ratyauli songs, and a variety of indigenous cuisines and cultural programs.

Visitors can enjoy free entry to the event, which features recreational sports, a Badminton Cup, tourist races, and live music to entertain locals and guests alike.

Supported by the Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province and Pokhara Metropolitan City, the event aims to boost tourism in the region. Hotel occupancy, currently at 60 percent, is expected to climb to 90 percent during the festival, organizers said.