Indian Embassy and BP Koirala Foundation in association with the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Asian Paints, are hosting the Uttar Pradesh Festival on January 26-27 to coincide with the 68^th Republic Day celebrations of India.

“This festival is a result of the Embassy of India’s continuing outreach efforts to actively engage the Indian states bordering Nepal to promote bilateral cultural, business and economic ties,” said press release issued by Indian Embassy.

Uttar Pradesh was chosen this year as area-wise it is the fourth largest State of India. In sheer magnitude it is half of the area of France, three times of Portugal, four times of Ireland, seven times of Switzerland, ten times of Belgium and a little bigger than England.

Its population of 210 million makes it the most populous state of India and is comparable to the fifth most populous nation in the world, Brazil. With its ancient culture and vibrant economy, the state offers boundless opportunities for trade, commerce, tourism and people to people cultural exchanges.

This event would feature a performance by the Shehnaigroup led by Ustad Ali Abbas Khan,Son-in-law of UstadBismillah Khan. Other members of the group are Ansar Ahmad UrfSajjan, Harmonium, ZakirHussain, Shehnai, AjadarHussain, Shehnai and NazimHussain, Tabla.

UP Textiles and handicrafts exhibition at Hotel Soaltee which would be inaugurated at Hotel Soaltee on January 26^th and would run till January 29^th. UP Food festival would be inaugurated at Hotel Soaltee on January 26^th and would feature Avadhi cuisine prepared by Chefs from Uttar Pradesh. This festival would also be held at Hotel Annapurna from January 27^th.

UP-Nepal Tourism symposium at Hotel Soaltee on January 27^th with the theme “Promoting Cross-border Tourism”. The symposium would feature panelists from the UP State Tourism Development Board, Nepal Tourism Board and government and non-governmental stake holders in the tourism industry.

UP-Nepal Business symposium at Hotel Annapurna on January 27^th with the theme “Promoting Cross-border business ties”. The symposium would feature panelists from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce, Uttar Pradesh, trade representatives and government and non-governmental stake holders in Nepal.

Closing ceremony would be held on January 27^th at Hotel Annapurna featuring a cultural troupe from Mathura which would be performing PhoolonkiHoli and Kathak.