ITAHARI: Enthusiasm runs high in the eastern region for the Purvanchal Mahotsav that will open soon.

Preparations for the Mahotsav to promote commercial and industrial development are picking up pace. Local manufacturers and businessmen are hoping their products will get access to the market. Ananta Bista, proprietor of JBS Industries, a silver sponsor, said he was a silver sponsor in a similar Mahotsav held two years ago. He said, “In this Mahotsav, we will have direct access to customers and can learn a lot about improving the quality of our products.”

Nirmal Rijal, proprietor of Healthy Food Products, which is also the producer of Oven Fresh Biscuits and golden sponsor of the Mahotsav, said it would provide an opportunity to learn about the expectation of the consumers.

Ganesh Dahal, executive officer of Itahari municipality, said the Mahotsav will be instrumental in the economic, social and cultural development of the municipality. “Not only will it accelerate economic transactions, it will also create emotional unity among locals through cultural exchange,” Dahal said.

Publicity commitee member Jagadish Sapkota said, “We have divided our work, forming 16 committees, and everything has been made systematic.” He added that the cooperation of local journalists was a welcome factor. Nearly two lakh visitors are expected to visit the Mahotsav and transaction worth Rs 40 million is also expected.

Tanka Dulal, coordinator of the main coordination committee and president of Itahari Chamber of Commerce and Trade, said earlier everything was done on contract but this time they are doing everything themselves.

Handicraft and agricultural producers have booked 10 and 15 stalls, respectively. Five stalls have been booked by producers of herbal products. Khagendra Thapa Magar, the shortest man in the world, will be at the Mahotsav.

Local journalists and artistes too are looking forward to the Mahotsav. Badri Bishal Pokharel, literateur and professor, said the Mahotsav will act as a forum for establishing relationship of locals with artistes and creative persons at the national level.

Musician Raj Kumar Rajdhami said the Mahotsav will promote cultural shows of different ethnic groups. Senior journalist Yam Pradhan said its coverage will promote development activities in the area.

Organizers of the Mahotsav are Itahari Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Commerce and Supplies. Co-organisers are Sunsari District Development Committee, Itahari municipality and Agricultural Profession Promotion Programme. The main sponsor is Sukam Power Company while the diamond sponsor is Jagadamba Steels and gold sponsors are Healthy Foods Products and Herber Cosmetics. Silver sponsors are PLO Lubricants, Toyaota House, JBS Industries, Pathibhara Lila traders and Asian Thai Foods Pvt Ltd. The official bank of the Mahotsav is Bank of Asia while the official media is Annapurna Post daily.