Guest guest Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 Kathmandu (Nov 14, 2006): A week-long festival aimed at boosting religious tourism in Nepal will kick off this Sunday in Janakpurdham - the birthplace of Hindu Goddess Sita. The event that promises to attract over one lakh [100,000] domestic as well as foreign visitors, including thousands from India, will showcase an array of cuisines and costumes depicting different art and culture forms of the world, an official of the Nepal Tourism Board said today. A drama competiton and a musical evening will be the highlights of the 'Mithila' festival. According to Hindu mythology, Sita was born and brought up in Janakpurdham and it was here that her wedding with Lord Rama was solemnised. "The place is of cultural, religious and historical importance. The festival will be an impetus for the promotion of Janakpurdham as a religious destination worth visiting," Ramchandra Jha, coordinator of Janakpur Regional Development Council, said. The seven-day festival will conclude on "Vivah Panchami" - the day when according to the legend, Ram married Sita. "Nepal is promoting pilgrimage tourism in order to boost its ailing tourism sector. The government is committed to support promotion of religious tourism through preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the ancient city," Minister for Tourism and Culture Pradeep Gyawali said. Meanwhile, Thai Ambassador to Nepal Vanvasa Thamrongnavasawat has said his country wanted to help Nepal preserve the heritage in Janakpurdham as it is linked to the Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is believed to be the sibling of Kush- the son of Ram and Sita. SOURCE: New Kerala URL: http://www.newkerala.com/news4.php?action=fullnews&id=50466 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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