This year marks the 70th anniversary of Nepal-India diplomatic relationship. To celebrate the occasion, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, along with Nepal Tourism Board, Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza, is organising a cultural festival—Festival of West Bengal-starting on September 3. 

The fest is slated to feature musical performances, film screenings and other cultural events. The first day of the fest will feature a Santoor performance by Indian classical musician Tarun Bhattacharya, who will perform alongside vocalist Archita Bhattacharjee. 

The first day will also feature a team of chefs from Kolkata, who will showcase Bengali cuisine, while the second day of the fest will host a screening of the movie Messi, a film that celebrates the craze of football in India’s West Bengal state, among other events. 

Likewise, a cross-border trade and tourism expo, and a seminar featuring noted business leaders from Nepal and India are also slated to be held as part of the fest. 

“The festival is part of the Embassy’s effort to showcase cultural richness of various Indian States bordering Nepal. We hope that the festival will provide an opportunity to our Nepali friends to relish West Bengal’s food, music, culture and social life,” organisers said, at the announcement of the fest on Wednesday.