The locals of Pokhara’s Naya Bazaar Exhibition Center have not forgotten the warm welcome they received through Mithila’s traditional Jhijhiya dance during the inauguration of the 33rd National Industrial Trade Fair and Information Technology (IT) Festival.
The festival, organized by the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry from Magh 10, attracted special attention towards Tharu and Bhojpuri dances while also becoming a prime shopping destination. More than just an exhibition of revolutionary IT advancements, the festival served as a platform to explore and experience different provinces of Nepal.
A key highlight was the ‘Explore Madhesh: Understand Madhesh’ pavilion, set up by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism of Madhesh Province, which provided valuable insights into the region’s culture and tourism. According to campaign coordinator Bikash Kumar Thakur, nearly 500 visitors visit the pavilion daily to learn about Madhesh’ religious and tourist destinations.
Visitors were guided by Coordinator Thakur, Uday Sapkota (President of Chandrapur Chamber of Commerce), and other representatives on Madheshi hospitality, tourism, and cultural significance. During the festival’s inauguration, Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey was presented with an illustrated booklet detailing Madhesh’ religious and tourist attractions. Additionally, Bhijhiya and Tharu’s dances were performed to reflect the rich cultural heritage of Madhesh.
To promote Madhesh tourism, the ‘Explore Madhesh: Understand Madhesh’ pavilion was established, distributing booklets with information about significant sites such as Janaki Temple (Janakpur), Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Gadhimai, Parsa National Park, and Simraungadh. The booklet also detailed sacred sites like Chhinnamasta Bhagwati Temple, Thori, Rajdevi Temple, and Dugdheswar Mahadev, aiming to provide tourists with a comprehensive understanding of Madhesh before visiting.
Additionally, a Madheshi cuisine stall became a major attraction at the festival, featuring Katia (a slow-cooked mutton dish in a clay pot) from Rautahat and Pedas from Saptari. Visitors relished these authentic flavors, with Ajay Sah Sonar, the stall operator, explaining how Katia is traditionally cooked with onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, and turmeric in a clay pot heated with charcoal.
According to Pokhara Chamber of Commerce President Gokarna Karki, the festival aimed to be more than just a local event but rather a national platform to showcase Nepal’s cultural and industrial diversity. Among the 250 exhibition stalls, Madhesh Province had two, while Sudurpaschim, Koshi, and Bagmati Provinces also had dedicated spaces to display their indigenous products. The festival will conclude on Magh 19, serving as a hub for cultural exchange, trade, and tourism promotion across Nepal.