The annual bullfighting festival at Taruka village in Nuwakot is set to be held on January 15 this year, organisers said.

The festival takes place on the occasion of Maghi Sakranti, the first day of Nepali month of Magh. 

The festival has been observed in the area for the past two centuries.

Nepali bullfighting is believed to have been introduced in Taruka by Jaya Prithvi Bahadur Singh, a monarch of the ancient Bajang Kingdom. The legend has it that the festival started when Singh organised a bullfighting event to entertain his niece.

Speaking at a press meet in the Capital, festival coordinator Janakraj Dhungana said there will be exhibition of local products and even free health camps this year.

The festival has gained popularity in the recent years. People from different parts of the country, including Dhading, Rasuwa, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lamjung and Tanahun.