Ilam's Antu chosen New Year 2082 celebration spot for diplomats

By Prem Adhikari,Pashupatinagar, Apr. 2: Over 27 ambassadors of various countries stationed in Nepal are scheduled to visit Antu, Ilam, to celebrate the Nepali New Year 2082 B.S. 

The informal visit of the ambassadors is set to take place from April 13-15. The event is being organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nepal Tourism Board, in coordination with Suryodaya Municipality. As part of an annual initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to introduce diplomats to new tourist destinations in Nepal, Suryodaya Municipality has been chosen as this year’s location.   

Mayor Rana Bahadur Rai of Suryodaya Municipality confirmed the programme details. The delegation will be led by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and will include ministry secretaries, officials from Nepal Tourism Board and ambassadors, making up a team of over 45 high-ranking participants. 

According to the programme, the delegation will arrive in Kanyam on April 13, where they will be welcomed by the municipality. A tea-tasting session featuring different varieties of tea has been arranged at the tea Tasting Centre, along with an opportunity to sample dairy-based delicacies such as cheese. 

Mayor Rai said that the ambassadors would be dressed in traditional attire representing different ethnic groups, participate in a horse-riding event, and tour the tea gardens in Kanyam. 

On the night of April 13, a formal reception will be organised in Antu, followed by viewing sunrise on April 14 to mark the beginning of the New Year. 

Mayor Rai said, “With so many ambassadors visiting our municipality, we anticipate that this will bring global recognition to our region.” 

The municipality has also arranged additional activities, such as tour to tea garden and boating at Antu Lake, said Mayor Rai. In preparation for the event, the municipality has formed a main organising committee, led by Deputy Mayor Durga Kumar Baral, along with several sub-committees to oversee the arrangements.

Plans include welcoming guests with cultural processions, providing traditional local cuisine, organising entertainment programmes and ensuring the cleanliness of key tourist sites. 

Chief Administration Office Amrit Bahadur Rai informed that the visit would remain an informal event as part of the ministry’s annual initiative.

He informed that ambassadors from 27 countries have already confirmed their participation. The delegation will stay in Antu on April 14 and depart on April 15. 

Deputy Mayor Baral informed that the visit of the ambassadors to Antu and Kanyam, which attract both domestic and international tourists throughout the year, will further enhance their global recognition.