Fifth Hemja Mud Festival 2082 Concludes with Enthusiastic Participation

Hemja — The fifth edition of the Hemja Mud Festival 2082, organized by the Devisthan Sewa Samaj, concluded with grand success in Hemja, Pokhara-25. Despite intermittent rain throughout Sunday, the festival saw active participation from locals of all ages — children, youths, and the elderly — as well as attendees from neighboring wards of Pokhara, under the shadow of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains.

The festival kicked off around 11 AM with participants gathering at the local Devisthan Mai Temple. A cultural procession with agricultural displays made its way through Devisthan Marg to the main festival venue, which was attractively decorated with flags and banners from sponsors and supporters.

Compared to previous years, the 2082 edition was more vibrant and well-managed. The festival featured a range of traditional and entertaining events including mud races, tug of war, cultural parades, school-level paddy planting competitions, best farmer awards, ox-cart races, Asare song contests between mothers’ groups, and fish-catching competitions.

Speaking at the event, Pokhara Municipal Spokesperson and Ward Chairman Motilal Timilsina highlighted the unique cultural identity of the festival and emphasized the municipality’s continued support. Senior Agricultural Extension Officer Arjun Dev Gyawali appreciated the opportunity for collaboration, stressing the need to preserve Nepal’s unique rural traditions.

Cultural advisor Chudamani Timilsina noted that the event serves to preserve and pass down customs and traditions to younger generations. Various competitions were held with winners including Ishwar Sapkota and Basanta Sapkota in the 40+ men’s mud race, Rama and Kalpana Bhandari in the women’s category, and students from Bishnupaduka School and Hemja Boarding School in the paddy planting contest.

Additionally, farmers Dillinat Adhikari, Sita Timilsina, and Govinda Timilsina were honored as outstanding farmers. Ankit Thapa from Snow View Secondary School, who scored 4.0 GPA in SEE 2081, was also recognized. Bhajan groups representing Hemja, Machhapuchhre Sewa Samaj, and Matrikeshwar Bhajan Samuha were felicitated for national-level achievements in recent religious events.

The festival was chaired by Krishna Man Shrestha and hosted by Apsara Timilsina, President of the Hemja Women’s Network, while the event was emceed by secretary Pushparaj Timilsina.