Seventh Edition of Karnali Utsav Kicks Off in Surkhet

Surkhet. The seventh edition of the Karnali Utsav began on Saturday. The event commenced at the City Hall premises in Birendranagar, Surkhet. Festival coordinator Kamalraj Lamsal stated that the event, held under the slogan 'Kuda Karnalika', will feature debates and presentations on literature, art, music, society, and development.

The festival was inaugurated with seven musical tunes. During the opening session, Birendranagar Municipality Mayor Mohanmaya Dhakal delivered a lecture on 'Women's Leadership'.

Additionally, an audio-visual titled 'Seven Years, Seven Efforts' was showcased. The program also includes a presentation by Devendra Raman Khanal on 'Banking Investment in Karnali' and a special lecture by Keshav Dahal on 'Mokshabhumi Karnali'.

On the first day at 1:30 PM, a discussion on 'Suina Karnalika' will be held, where speakers from various fields will share their views. Similarly, at 3:00 PM, a debate titled 'Gen-Z: From Streets to Parliament' will be organized. At 4:00 PM, Dolpa's Chief District Officer Junu Hamal Dhakal will share her struggle for success through 'Paikelo'.

At 4:15 PM, a discussion on 'Hierarchy of Power: From Allocation to Development' will take place, featuring various experts and speakers. Following this, at 5:15 PM, another session on 'Suina Karnalika' will be held. At 6:15 PM, Hariram Neupane is scheduled to give a presentation on 'Position Karnali'.

A major attraction of the festival, the 'Karnali Concert: Jurukka Karnali', will be held at 6:30 PM, featuring musical performances by the Jadau Hajur band, Deuda singer Ibsal Sanjyal, Smarika Phuyal, Bipana Singh, and other artists, according to the organizers.

The organizers expect the three-day festival to contribute to the promotion of cultural identity while fostering debate on the issues, possibilities, and challenges of Karnali.