Third Nepal-India Cultural Festival held in Lumbini

By Our Correspondent,Lumbini, Dec. 10: The Third edition of the Nepal-India  Cultural Festival has been successfully concluded in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

The event was organised by the Embassy of India in Nepal in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust on Monday evening in front of the Baby Buddha statue.

The festival was attended by Lumbini Province Chief Krishna Bahadur Gharti, leaders of various political parties, representatives of local governments, officials and staff of the Lumbini Development Trust, officials from the Indian Embassy, local residents, tourism entrepreneurs and representatives of security agencies.

Centred around the core values of Buddhism, the festival celebrated the rich cultural heritage, traditions and friendly relations shared between India and Nepal.

The event featured impressive performances by renowned artists from both countries.

A six-member ICCR team led by India’s Sandhya Kunjann Menon Das presented an Odissi dance performance based on Buddhist themes. Likewise, Nepali band Ghughu Mugu performed traditional music.

According to the Indian Embassy, the programme further strengthened the long-standing cultural and historical ties between the two countries. 

The festival was jointly inaugurated by Lumbini Province Chief Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar, Additional Secretary (North) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Munu Mahawar, Vice-Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust Dr. Lharkyal Lama and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, Dr. Rakesh Pandey.

The Embassy also stated that there was notable participation from members of civil society, academics, senior monks and members of the Lumbini Development Trust.