Janakpur, the historic town and headquarters of Province 2, is geared to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Officials said all the preparations have been over despite adverse weather.

“Janakpur visit of Indian Prime Minister Modi is a historic moment. Preparations are over to make the visit memorable,” Chief Minister of Province 2 Mohammad Lalbabu Raut told the Post on Thursday.

A storm on Wednesday morning ruined the preparations. Rangabhoomi Maidan, where the Janakpur sub-metropolis will accord civic reception to Modi, was waterlogged and welcome gates were destroyed. CM Raut said a large number of people and officials were mobilised to restore the ground.

He termed the Indian prime minister’s visit to Janakpur as a “matter of happiness”. “The visit will help promote religious tourism in Janakpur,” CM Raut said. Security agencies are on high alert. Modi will begin his two-day state visit to Nepal from Janakpur. He is scheduled to land at Janakpur Airport at 10:15am from an Indian Air Force helicopter.

Addressing a press meet organised by the Indian embassy here on Thursday, Consul General BC Pradhan made public the itinerary. Modi will reach Janaki Temple after a brief rest at the airport.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Governor of Province 2 Ratneshwor Lal Kayastha, CM Raut and Janakpur Mayor Lal Kishwor Sah will welcome the guest to the temple.

The Indian prime minister will perform a special puja at the temple for about half an hour. Soon afterwards, PM Oli and his Indian counterpart will inaugurate the Ramayan Circuit on the temple premises and flag off the Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service.

Modi is scheduled to reach the Barhabigha Rangabhoomi ground at 11:25pm for civic reception. The visiting PM will address a gathering there.

Muktinath ready to welcome Modi

Preparations in Mustang district are in the final stage to welcome Indian Prime Minister Modi to Muktinath Temple. Security has been heightened in the area while the temple and the surrounding structures have been decked up. The main and other temples, Gumba and holy taps have been painted. Authorities have prepared six helipads and set up a health desk on the temple premises. Modi is scheduled to pray at Muktinath Temple on Saturday.