The holy city of Janakpur, the capital of Madhesh Province, came alive on June 13 with the grand inauguration of the Madhesh Tourism Meet 2025, a landmark event aimed at promoting the rich cultural, religious, and regional tourism prospects of the southern plains of Nepal. The program was officially inaugurated in a vibrant ceremony that brought together government officials, tourism entrepreneurs, cultural experts, and representatives from various stakeholders involved in Nepal’s tourism industry.
The event is a collaborative initiative between the Nepal Tourism Board, Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City, and NATTA Madhesh Pradesh, and it is being locally coordinated by SOTTO Janakpur and HAN Janakpur. The multi-day event seeks to position Madhesh Province as an emerging destination for both domestic and international tourists, particularly those interested in spiritual journeys, cultural heritage, and community-based travel experiences.
Promotion of Cultural and Religious Tourism
Janakpur, revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita and an important site in the epic Ramayana, was deliberately chosen as the host city for this important tourism event. With its iconic Janaki Temple, sacred ponds like Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar, and centuries-old Mithila traditions, Janakpur offers a wealth of religious and cultural attractions that remain under-promoted in national tourism strategies.
During the inauguration, speakers emphasized the spiritual and historical significance of Janakpur and the broader Madhesh region, calling for long-term investment in tourism infrastructure, preservation of heritage sites, and international branding campaigns that showcase Madhesh as a vibrant tourism hub.
Collaboration Among Key Institutions
The Madhesh Tourism Meet 2025 highlights the growing cooperation between national, provincial, and local tourism stakeholders. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) played a central role in designing the event’s agenda, aiming to align Madhesh’s tourism promotion with national-level campaigns like “Visit Nepal Decade 2023–2032.”
Likewise, NATTA Madhesh Pradesh brought in tour operators and travel agents from across the country to network, engage in B2B meetings, and explore travel packages that integrate Madhesh with other tourism circuits in Nepal.
Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City expressed its readiness to continue supporting tourism infrastructure projects such as better roads, improved sanitation near religious sites, and digital information centers. Local organizations such as SOTTO (Society of Tour and Travel Operators) and HAN (Hotel Association Nepal), Janakpur Chapter, ensured smooth local coordination and hospitality management throughout the event.
Focus on Sustainable and Community-Based Tourism
Another highlight of the Madhesh Tourism Meet 2025 is its strong emphasis on sustainable and inclusive tourism development. The sessions and discussions included presentations on promoting Mithila art and craft, encouraging homestay programs in rural Madhesh, and training local youth as community guides.
Tourism entrepreneurs also raised the need for strategic branding of festivals like Bibaha Panchami, Chhath, and Ram Navami, which attract thousands of pilgrims every year but often lack the logistical support needed to provide a quality tourism experience. Workshops focused on gender-inclusive tourism, environmental conservation, and improving sanitation and accessibility at pilgrimage sites, especially for senior and differently-abled visitors.
Participation and Vision for the Future
The inauguration event drew a large number of participants, including provincial ministers, senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), NTB executives, tourism students, media personnel, and representatives of civil society.
The meet outlined a long-term roadmap for tourism development in Madhesh, which includes:
- Identifying and promoting lesser-known spiritual and natural destinations across the eight districts of Madhesh Province.
- Creating a Mithila Cultural Route connecting Janakpur to India’s Ayodhya, enhancing trans-border religious tourism.
- Strengthening the capacity of local entrepreneurs through training and funding.
- Encouraging cross-cultural exchange programs and academic research on Madheshi history and heritage.
Cultural Performances and Exhibitions
As part of the opening celebrations, traditional Mithila dances and musical performances were staged, drawing loud applause from the audience. An exhibition of Mithila paintings, local textiles, pottery, and culinary specialties was also held to provide attendees with a first-hand experience of the region’s cultural vibrancy.
The successful inauguration of Madhesh Tourism Meet 2025 has set a positive tone for the future of tourism in the province. It is more than just an event, it is a bold step toward making Madhesh a visible and viable destination on Nepal’s tourism map. With growing institutional coordination, cultural pride, and strategic investment, the region is poised to welcome more travelers in the years to come.
