The Indian Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Kathmandu has launched ‘Days of North-East Cultural Festival – Namaste Nepal’ in Nepal as a prelude to the celebration of the 68th Republic Day of India and also to celebrate the existing age old cultural relations between the two nations.

This mega cultural event, organized under the aegis of the Indian Cultural Centre [ICC], Embassy of India, Kathmandu and in collaboration with the local government agencies and various Nepali cultural institutions, will be held in two phases i.e.(i) Art Exhibition and (ii) Cultural festival from 14 to 27 January 2017 across Nepal.

With the support of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation,  the Indian Council for Cultural Relations [ICCR], New Delhi and the North East Council, Shillong the ‘Days of North-East Cultural Festival-Namaste Nepal’ will reach various parts of Nepal over the next two weeks.

Minister of Culture, Transport and Civil Aviation Jiwan Bahadur Shahi and Indian ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae launched art exhibition as a Curtain Raiser of this mega cultural event. The art Exhibition is showcasing diversity of the North-Eastern States of India has been jointly inaugurated by the.

According to a press release issued by Indian Embassy, the second phase of this event would include cultural performances by four prominent cultural troupes representing different genres from the North-Eastern States of India viz. (a) Shillong Chamber Choir; (b) Tetseo Sisters; (c) Thoibi Manipuri Dance & Cultural Institute and (d) Lily Veng Cultural & Drama Club. They would be presenting cultural performances in different parts of Nepal i.e. Kathmandu, Patan, Pokhara, Birgunj, Biratnagar, Dharan, Janakpur, Sindhupalchowk and Dolakha in association with local cultural institutions of Nepal to showcase diverse cultural aspects and values of the two countries.

“As close neighbors, India and Nepal share a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation characterized by deeply rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture. Moreover, Indian culture and its heritage of art, music and cinema have enjoyed love and appreciation across this great country over centuries. An important pillar of the special and privileged strategic partnership between our two countries is the friendship and understanding between our peoples. Their affection and interest towards India are immensely treasured in India. It is this cultural bond that has built solid bridges of friendship and understanding between people of our two nations,” notes a press release issued by Indian Embassy.

“This mega-event is a singular effort of the Indian Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Kathmandu aimed to further consolidate and strengthen our existing age-old bilateral relations, shared sensibilities and affinities between the people of the two countries and their common cultural values. This mega event titled ‘Days of North-East Cultural Festival – Namaste Nepal’ will contribute to sustaining and enhancing this mutual appreciation of each other’s culture in days ahead,” said a press release.