Tihar festivals: cultural-trade fair at Matatirtha, Godavari flower show at Jawalakhel

As Tihar approaches, a flower exhibition has opened in Kathmandu Valley while a separate cultural festival is also set to take place.

The third Chandragiri Tihar Cultural and Trade Festival will be held from Kattik 13 to 30 at Matatirtha Kundchaur in Balagaun, Chandragiri Municipality-6. The festival is being organized mainly by the Matatirtha Conservation and Development Organization.

According to organization chairman Shanta Udas, the festival will feature musical performances by national artists along with fashion and dance programs. Exhibits will also include industrial products, information and science technology, agricultural tools, vehicles, electrical goods, mobiles and electronics.

Chairman Udas said the festival's attractions will also include local arts, culture, trade and tourism-related items, along with a children's park and recreational games.

Meanwhile, the 19th Godavari Flower Competitive Exhibition opened at the Jawalakhel Sports Ground in Lalitpur on Thursday. The exhibition, organized by the Floriculture Association Nepal, was inaugurated by Bagmati Province Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Forest and Environment Rama Aale Magar.

The exhibition's slogan is "Plant Godavari flowers, decorate your homes and surroundings." Flowers, cut flowers and floral decoration items produced by nurseries and flower businesses are on display. Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan and former minister Madhusudan Poudel also attended the inauguration ceremony.