Rastriya Samachar Samiti

Itahari, April 14:

A three-day long industrial-cum-tourism festival and Miteri folk culture fair kicked off in Itahari, the transport and business hub of the eastern region, on Tuesday. The fair began with the Panche Baja leading a grand pageantry shedding light on traditional music, art and culture of the eastern region. Some 70 stalls of traditional food, various industrial and handicraft goods are on exhibition and sale at the fair, organised in the premises of the Itahari municipality. Apart from the stalls offering special concession rates, people coming to the fair can also enjoy boating at the Mechi-Kali pond in the municipality premises. Dances highlighting the culture and traditions of various nationalities and communities in the region were also presented on the occasion.

At the inaugural function of the fair, cyclist Laxman Sapkota who is on a world tour was presented a bicycle on behalf of the organisers. Wishing to boost global peace, Sapkota has already visited 29 countries. Chandi Raj Dhakal, first vice-preisdent of FNCCI inaugurated the festival. The festival is organised jointly by Itahari municipality and Itahari Chamber of Commerce and Industry and promoted by Nepal Tourism Board.