Wednesday, Apr 08, 2026 21:30 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Apr 07, 2026 15:48 [IST]
BIRTAMODE,: The Koshi-Bengal Cultural and Tourism Festival kicked off on Tuesday at Birtamode town in Nepal, with the aim of promoting the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Koshi Province and West Bengal.
Around 30 stalls from India and Nepal have been set up for the two-day festival, including one from Sikkim showcasing local cuisine, handicrafts, tourism packages, and related services.
“The festival will promote harmony and cooperation between the two nations and will be a milestone in strengthening emotional ties and economic prosperity,” said BhimParajuli, State Tourism and Cultural Minister of Koshi Province, after inaugurating the event. He added that the province is allocating a significant budget for tourism promotion and expects around 10,000 tourists to visit Nepal this year.
Tourism entrepreneur Indira Shrestha, coordinator of the Koshi-Bengal Cultural and Tourism Festival Organising Committee, expressed hope that the event would help strengthen cultural ties between Nepal and India and contribute to reviving the tourism sector in the region.
West Bengal Tourism Ambassador Raj Basu said, “When cultures are connected, minds are connected, and when minds are connected, the path to trade and prosperity opens.” He emphasised the importance of promoting tourism through cross-border initiatives, including festivals and panel discussions between India and Nepal.
ChabilalKhatiwada, Chief of the Tourism Office, Kakarvitta, invited visitors to explore Koshi Province and share their experiences of its culture and heritage on social media and other platforms.
During the festival, Kolkata resident AranyaMukhopadhyay’s documentary film ‘The Wave of Life’ was screened. Renowned nail artist from Siliguri, Ajoy Kumar Sarkar, and eminent, award-winning Odissi dancer Dr Pompi Paul were also felicitated for their contributions in their respective fields.
