International Jagannath Mahotsav Celebrated in Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal The International Jagannath Festival was successfully organized at the historic Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square Museum (HDM) in Kathmandu through the joint collaboration of the *India Nepal Cultural Center (INCC)* and the *Ministry of Culture, Government of Nepal*.

As part of the celebrations, traditional rituals and worship were performed by Nepali priests at the historic *Jagannath Temple*, which dates back to the Malla dynasty. The programme also featured deliberations on the rich heritage of Lord Jagannath and the centuries-old civilizational and cultural ties between Nepal and Kalinga (Odisha).

The event was presided over by *Mr. Kaji Man Pouryal*, Chief Executive Director of the Hanuman Dhoka Museum . It was attended by internationally renowned scholars, geologists, literary personalities, researchers, senior government officials and distinguished guests from Nepal.

Addressing the gathering, *Prof. Dr. Bina Poudyal*, Chairperson of the Nepal MSD Board, highlighted the deep historical, religious and cultural connections between Lord Jagannath, Kalinga and Nepal.

Joining the programme via video conference, *Mr. Biplab Prakash Mohanty, Chairman of (INCC), spoke on the significance of the Rath Yatra and the universal philosophy of Jagannath culture. He recalled the historic contribution of the King of Nepal in the 11th century, who donated **100,000 sacred Shaligram stones* and the rare *Kasturi (musk)* for the rituals of Lord Jagannath.

Mr. Mohanty further stated that the King of Nepal is the only monarch in the world traditionally accorded the privilege of ascending the *Ratna Singhasan* inside the Jagannath Temple, Puri, to offer worship. He also noted that the *Lal Moharia Panda* system was established to facilitate the darshan and stay of Nepali pilgrims visiting the Jagannath Temple, reflecting the unique spiritual relationship between Nepal and Lord Jagannath. He appealed to the Government and people of Nepal to explore ways to restore the traditional supply of the rare Kasturi required for the *Shrimukha Shringara* (sacred facial adornment) of Lord Jagannath.

*Engineer Paresh Kumar*, President of the India Nepal Cultural Center and an Everest region mountaineer, highlighted the enduring friendship between India and Nepal and explained the spiritual and cultural significance of the annual Rath Yatra.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by *Ms. Sharmila Upreti*, Deputy Chief of the Hanuman Dhoka Museum. The event was successfully coordinated with the support of the museum’s officials and staff.

The International Jagannath Festival reaffirmed the centuries-old cultural, spiritual and civilizational bonds between Nepal and Odisha, while promoting greater cultural cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.