Indo-Nepal Summit on Religious Tourism Concludes in Janakpur

The Indo-Nepal Summit, aimed at promoting religious tourism, concluded in Janakpur with a strong emphasis on the need for clear policies, strategic plans, and effective implementation to boost religious tourism in Nepal.

The event was jointly organized by the Consulate General of India, Birgunj, and the Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Participants highlighted that an increase in Indian tourist arrivals and the enhancement of Nepal’s tourism sector would strengthen bilateral ties, alleviate poverty, and boost income generation.

Speaking at the summit, Madhesh Province Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh underscored the deep religious and cultural ties between Nepal and India. He emphasized the need to encourage Indian tourists visiting Janaki Temple in Janakpur to explore other religious sites across Nepal. He also proposed integrating Kathmandu, Lumbini, and Pokhara into the Ramayana Circuit and announced plans to conserve the Dugdhamati River to further enhance the religious significance of the circuit.

Consul General of India in Birgunj, Devi Sahai Meena, echoed the shared religious and cultural connections between Nepal and India. He stressed the need for both governments to facilitate religious tourism, noting that Indian tourists have a strong desire to visit Janakpurdham, Pashupatinath, Lumbini, and Pokhara, just as many Nepali pilgrims travel to Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Babadham, and Benaras in India.

Experts at the summit, including Vice Chairman of Madhesh Province Policy and Planning Commission Dr. Sohan Kumar Saha, along with former vice chairs Dr. Haribansha Jha and Dr. Bhogendra Thakur, called for a common strategy between Nepal and India to develop and promote the Ramayana Circuit. They emphasized that connecting Madhesh Province with Indian states Bihar and Uttar Pradesh could significantly boost regional development.

Atul Kumar Thakur, Secretary of Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce State Development Council, highlighted the summit’s role in fostering cross-border tourism, while Surendra Bhandari, President of Janakpurdham Chamber of Commerce and Industries, urged both governments to invest in infrastructure development for the Ramayana Circuit.

Several other notable speakers, including Nirmal Chaudhary, Bajaranga Prasad Saha, Abhisek Chaudhary, Ramesh Ranjan Jha, Sunil Mallik, Shital Saha, and Satish Patuwal, shared insights on the cultural, economic, and religious significance of the Ramayana Circuit and Nepal-India tourism.