KATHMANDU: The popular Sauraha Food Festival is set to return for its 20th edition on March 26, 27, and 28, bringing three days of food, culture, and live entertainment to the tourist hub of Sauraha in Chitwan.

The festival will be held at Chhattri Street, Gaindachowk, Sauraha, under the theme "Natural Beauty — the Identity of Chitwan Sauraha," with the aim of promoting both domestic and international tourism in the region.

Originally scheduled around Valentine's Day, the event was postponed due to election-related activities that organisers felt could affect security, participation, and overall management. The new dates have since been confirmed and final preparations are underway.

The three-day festival will feature a multi-ethnic cultural procession, musical performances by national and local artists, an exhibition and competition of local and indigenous cuisine, and a waiter-waitress competition among its headline attractions.

Organisers estimate that around 5,000 visitors will attend each day of the festival, with total transactions during the event expected to reach approximately Rs 10 million. The total budget for the festival stands at an estimated Rs 6 million.

Having been held continuously for 19 years, the Sauraha Food Festival has established itself as a significant contributor to tourism development in Chitwan. This year's edition is expected to reinvigorate a sluggish tourism business in the area and bring renewed energy to local entrepreneurs and the broader community.