Janakpurdham Cultural Festival celebrates Nepali New Year with music and food

Published On: April 13, 2024 07:57 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, April 13: The 2nd edition of the Janakpurdham Cultural Festival was held on April 13, 2024, coinciding with the Nepali New Year 2081 BS. Organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Embassy of India in Kathmandu, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Birgunj, and the BP Koirala India-Nepal Foundation, the festival took place at the Mahendranarayan Nidhi Mithila Cultural Center in Janakpur.

The festival featured two sessions, starting with a keynote address on ‘Jaanaki Lila’ by Haribans Jha, exhibitions on sarees and the forts of India and Nepal, and a Maithili Food Festival curated by chef Santosh Sah. The evening session included musical performances based on the life of Lord Ram and Sita, and a special performance by Nepali singer and Indian Idol 2024 top 10 contestant, Menuka Poudel.

The event was inaugurated by Saroj Kumar Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, with Manoj Kumar Sah, Mayor of Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City, serving as the chief guest for the evening. The festival was attended by Provincial Assembly members of Madhesh Province, dignitaries, the media, and a large audience, celebrating the shared cultural heritage of India and Nepal.