Janakpur: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nepal today on a two-day state visit to Nepal during which he will hold talks with the country's top leadership to build mutual trust.
Defence Minister Ishwar Pokhrel and Province 2 Chief Minister Lalbabu Raut received Prime Minister Modi at the airport.
This is the third visit of Prime Minister Modi to Nepal and the first high-level visit from India since the formation of the new Government in Nepal this year.
The Janaki temple in Nepal's Janakpur is dedicated to godesss Sita. According to the UNESCO, the temple features a unique "blend of classical and neo-classical design with elements of fortification within a unique environmental setting." According to Lonely Planet, the early evefning "is the most atmospheric time to visit, as the temple is draped with colourful lights..."
This is a historic moment, PM Modi says during outside the Janki temple. "It is my privilege to come here and offer prayers to Mata Janki," PM Modi said. Prime Minister Modi also thanked Nepal PM KP Oli whom he greeted by saying, "Mere bhai sahib" (my brother).
News agency IANS is reporting that thousands of people from Nepal and India have gathered in Janakpur to see PM Modi, where he will address the public after a civic reception. Modi will also offer special prayers at the Janak temple, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to do so with "khodasopachar" rituals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew the short distance to Nepal in an Air India ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. The prime minister as well as other top Indian leaders such as the President usually fly on a specially configured Boeing 747-400 jet owned by Air India and operated by the Indian Air Force.
Local music and a host of dignitaries welcomed PM Narendra Modi in Janakpur. He will now proceed to the city's Ram Janaki Mandir where he will meet Nepal Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. There, he will take part in a special pooja.
There is going to be a major thrust in the revival of the Ramayan Circuit during PM Modi's trip. The Ramayan Circuit is among the 13 tourist circuits under the "Swadesh Darshan Scheme" of India and PM Modi along with PM Oli will inaugurate the Ramayan Circuit Bus Route that will connect Janakpur (Sita's birthplace) to Ayodhya (lord Ram's birthplace).
Before leaving for Nepal, Prime Minster Narendra Modi, in a Facebook post, said, "My visit closely follows the State Visit of Prime Minister Oli to India last month. These high-level and regular interactions reflect my government's commitment to the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, in consonance with the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'."
The prime minister added, "As Nepal enters a new era of consolidating gains of democracy and achieving rapid economic growth and development, India will continue to remain a steadfast partner of Government of Nepal to implement its vision of 'Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali'."
On Thursday, Modi had said India would remain a steadfast partner of the Himalayan nation in its quest for growth and development.
Modi's visit to Nepal is seen as an attempt by both the countries to bring back normalcy in ties after a spell of uneasiness as it comes little over a month after his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli came to India.
Describing his two-day trip to Nepal as a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy, Modi said the Himalayan nation has entered a new era and India would continue to support it.
"As Nepal enters a new era of consolidating gains of democracy and achieving rapid economic growth and development, India will continue to remain a steadfast partner of government of Nepal to implement its vision of samriddha Nepal, sukhi Nepali' (prosperous Nepal, happy Nepal)," Modi said in a statement.
On Saturday, he will visit Muktinath. He will come back to Kathmandu in the afternoon and offer prayers at Pashupathi Nath temple, Kumar said.
Later, Modi will meet the leaders of various political parties which will be followed by a civic reception to be hosted by the mayor of Kathmandu.
Highlights:I am glad to be here in Janakpur. I am here to pay respects to King Janak and Mata Janaki. I thank the PM of Nepal Shri Oli for accompanying me during this visit to Janakpur.
Today's welcome in Nepal shows the affection the people of Nepal have towards the people of India.
Janakpur and Ayodhya are being connected. This is a historic moment
