9th Jumli Horse Racing Cultural Festival Successfully Concludes in Gothichaur

The 9th Jumli Horse Racing Cultural Festival was successfully held at Gothichaur, a popular tourist destination in Gothichaur Rural Municipality, Jumla. Traditionally organized on the occasion of Phulpati during Nepal’s Dashain festival, the event celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding horse-racing tradition.

Organized by Karnali Sports Club in collaboration with Gothichaur Youth Club under the slogan “Our Campaign to Preserve and Promote Culture,” this year’s festival featured women’s horse racing for the first time, marking an important step toward greater inclusion in this traditional sport.

A total of eight women farmers participated in the women’s category.

Women’s Horse Racing Winners

First: Dhanlaxmi Aidi – Gothichaur Rural Municipality–1

Second: Sapana Bohora – Gothichaur Rural Municipality–2

Third: Sharmila Bohora – Gothichaur Rural Municipality–2

Fourth: Pavitra Bohora – Gothichaur Rural Municipality–2

The men’s category saw the participation of 34 riders.

Men’s Horse Racing Winners

First: Ishwor Aidi – Gothichaur Rural Municipality–1

Second: Shankar Rokaya – Gothichaur Rural Municipality–2

Third: Amrit Budha – Gothichaur Rural Municipality–1

Fourth: Prem Bohora – Gothichaur Rural Municipality–1

Fifth: Nishab Rokaya – Gothichaur Rural Municipality–1

The event was held under the chief hospitality of Shanti Kumari Mall (Bhandari), Chairperson of Gothichaur Rural Municipality. Senior coach and Karnali Sports Club patron Hari Bahadur Rokaya, Ward Chairperson Dip Bahadur Aidi, and other distinguished guests attended the festival.

The annual festival plays a vital role in preserving and passing down traditional culture to future generations. It also promotes the identity of Jumli horses, supports local tourism, and strengthens cultural unity within the community.