India, Nepal To Establish Sister City Relationship Between Ayodhya, Janakpur

In a significant diplomatic move, Shankar Prasad Sharma, the Nepalese Ambassador to India, revealed on Friday that both Nepal and India are actively engaged in the process of establishing a sister city relationship between Janakpur and Ayodhya.

Expressing his excitement, Ambassador Sharma welcomed Janakpur Mayor Manoj Kumar Sah and other esteemed guests to an event organized by the Chamber of India at the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi. “Glad to host Mayor Manoj Kumar Sah and distinguished guests from Janakpur Dham at @EONIndia. They visited to attend an event hosted by the Incredible Chamber of India and are actively working towards cementing sister city ties between Janakpur and Ayodhya,” shared the Nepalese Ambassador on ‘X’.

Gald to receive Mayor Manoj Kumar Sah and other dignitaries from Janakpur Dham at @EONIndia.

They were here to participate in a program organized by the Incredible Chamber of India. 🇳🇵& 🇮🇳 are also working to establish sister city relationships between Janakpur and Ayodya. pic.twitter.com/4lKQprwSbu

— Dr. Shankar P Sharma (@DrShankarSharma) December 22, 2023

In another collaborative effort, the Embassy of India in Nepal, along with the Lumbini Development Trust and Lumbini Buddhist University, successfully organized the inaugural India-Nepal Cultural Festival in Lumbini.

The festival showcased the rich cultural heritage and traditions of both nations, with a special emphasis on Buddhism. Highlights of the event included a Sand Mandala Drawing Art Exhibition created by monk artists from Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, India, a captivating photo exhibition featuring works by renowned photographer Benoy Behl, a tantalizing street food festival with Indian and Nepali cuisines, and a vibrant cultural program.

The festival was jointly inaugurated by the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, Nepal’s Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, and Lumbini Province’s Chief Minister, Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary.

A key feature of the inauguration was a captivating photo exhibition that unveiled a collection of breathtaking photographs showcasing Buddhist heritage sites. This exhibition provided a comprehensive insight into the monuments and artistic heritage of Buddhism, spanning from ancient times to the contemporary era.

The collaborative efforts between India and Nepal in both diplomatic and cultural spheres signify a deeper commitment to fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds between the two neighboring nations.