Kathmandu, Apr. 29: Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Embassy of India, Kathmandu  together with Consulate General of India, Birgunj organized Janakpurdham Cultural Festival on Friday at Mithila Yatri Niwas, Janakpur. The event celebrated Maithili Food Festival and Folk Cultural Performances. The Maithili Food Festival showcased the rich variety of Maithili cuisine through 84 different types of traditional food presentations. A special highlight of the event was local cuisine prepared from Millets to mark the International Year of Millets.

 In the evening, a Folk Cultural Performance was organized wherein cultural performances highlighting different Bhajans, Ragas, and Bharatanatyam dance drama recital based on the life of Ram and Sita was put together by the teachers and artists of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. Artists of Mithila Natya Kala Parishad (MINAP) performed Maithili Folk songs and dances.

Governor of Madhesh Pradesh Hari Shankar Mishra inaugurated both events.

The Festival was organized coinciding with Sita Navami and as a part of the ongoing celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The events were graced by participation from Provincial Assembly Members of Madhesh Province, the Chief District Officer of Dhausha District, dignitaries and the media.

The Janakpurdham Cultural Festival celebrated the shared cultural heritage of India and Nepal reflected in the common traditions of art, culture and festivals of the two countries.