Nepal-India common Chhath ghat constructed

Mahottari: Around a two-kilometre Chhath ghat has been constructed on the bank of the Bighi River in Matihani municipality. The ghat is the common Chhath ghat of Nepal and India.

The mayor of Matihani municipality, Hari Prasad Mandal, told RSS that celebrating the Chhath festival by citizens of two countries, bound together by cultural traditions, is an example. This Chhath ghat is the common ghat for the devotees of Matihani of Mahottari and Tulasiyahi of Dhanusha in Nepal, as well as Madhawpur and Rampur in India.

Mayor Mandal mentioned, “Although the border has separated the two countries, the cultural ties between the two countries remain profound. We have established a cultural tradition where citizens of Nepal and India celebrate Chhath, the festival together in the same Chhath ghat.” He clarified that citizens of both countries would equally share the costs incurred for the construction of the ghat.

“The border has separated our countries, but our customs, culture and festivals are the same,” said Balram Jha of Madhwapur Gram Panchayat of India. Residents of bordering areas of both countries have started celebrating Chhath festival together at Bihgi ghat since few years.

Professor at Matihani-based Yajnagyavalkya Laxmi Narayan Vidyapith, Hem Narayan Lal Karna, opined that a culture of standing together by citizens of both countries in sorrow and joy has been established due to this.

RSS