18th Elephant and Tourism Festival in Sauraha, Chitwan
| Summary/Static | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in the news? | Sauraha Hosts the 18th Elephant and Tourism Festival. |
| Location & Timing | Held in Sauraha, Chitwan, near Chitwan National Park; aligns with Christmas and New Year celebrations; concludes on December 30. |
| Key Attractions | Elephant parades, beauty contests, football competitions, cultural performances (traditional costumes and music), and elephant picnics. Over 80 elephants, including private and government-owned, participate. |
| Animal Welfare Measures | Elephant polo removed; elephants given frequent breaks, including 7-minute sugarcane snacks every 5 minutes of activity. Adherence to welfare guidelines from the Human Rights Commission. |
| Tourism Boost | Local hotels offer discounts on accommodation and dining; hotel occupancy rates increased from 40% to 65% during the festival. |