The Janakpur Literature, Art Festival 2073 has kicked off at Janakpur Chamber of Commerce premises on Sunday. Organised by Maithali Development Fund, the fest was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Bimalendra Nidhi.

The fest, first of its kind in the region, according to the organisers, aims to preserve and promote Maithali language and literature.

The three day fest saw the presence of a host of politicians, litterateurs, linguists, and artists from Nepal and India on its opening day. Attending the event were politicians CP Gajurel, Pradeep Gyanwali, Ghanashyam Bhushal, Ramchandra Jha and Prabhu Shah, among others.

The fest saw a total of 16 panel discussions that touched upon themes ranging from federalism and the impacts it may bring to Mithila culture and traditions; the possibility of promoting tourism in the region; and Mithila literature, dramas and films.

The three-day fest will close on Tuesday.