Khotang: The first-ever Red Panda and Thar Festival kicked off in Khotang district on New Year's Day, 2082 BS, as part of the 'Mundum Trail Visit Year' campaign. Organized by Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, the two-day event aims to raise awareness about the conservation of endangered species, particularly the red panda and thar, a rare Himalayan goat.

The festival is being held at Hurlung, a scenic tourist destination in the region. The event features a blend of cultural pageantry, organic cuisine, traditional costumes, and local products, all managed and performed voluntarily by local residents. The celebration also includes photo and video exhibitions highlighting endangered wildlife.

Inaugurating the festival, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy Bhupal Rai emphasized the urgent need to conserve endangered wildlife to safeguard the environment and biodiversity.

The event has attracted a diverse crowd, including local officials, political leaders, economists, artists, and researchers, making it a vibrant celebration of both culture and conservation.

Adding to the occasion, the municipality also officially opened the 'Mundum Trail Red Panda-Thar Route', a new trekking path designed to boost eco-tourism in the region while promoting wildlife protection.

Locals expressed joy over hosting such a significant event in their area, seeing it as a step toward sustainable development and cultural revival.