SATV 15 April, Kathmandu: The 'first red panda and thar festival' kicked off as part of the 'Mundum Trail Visit Year' in the district on New Year Day, 2082. The festival is organized by Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi municipality.

The event was held at a touristy place, Hurlung. It has aimed at protecting the endangered wild animals – the red panda and the thar. The thar is a rare Himalayan goat. 

The festival runs for two days. The event features cultural pageantries, cuisine of organic products, a display of costumes, and local produce.

The event, held on the occasion of the New Year 2082 BS, also has photos and videos of endangered wild animals.

The locals are elated to have such an event in the locality where there is participation from diverse communities. Interestingly, the items put on display are managed by the locals themselves. They voluntarily attended the fair to perform cultural pageants.

Chancellor of the Nepal Academy, Bhupal Rai, inaugurated the festival. He stressed the need for conserving the endangered wildlife to protect the environment and ecosystem.

Local administrators, district and national level political leaders, economists, artists and researchers attended the inaugural function.

Municipality Mayor Tirtha Raj Bhattarai informed that even the trekking route, 'Mudum Trail Red Panda-Thar Route', was opened on the occasion.