India, Nepal to work towards building 'Ramayan' circuit: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India and Nepal will work towards building a 'Ramayan' circuit, which will act as the strong foundation for people-to-people contact between the two countries.

Addressing a civic reception at the Ram Janaki Temple here, Prime Minister Modi said, "India and Nepal will work towards building 'Ramayan' circuit between both the countries. Janakpur and Ayodhya are being connected. This is a historic moment. This will act as the foundation for strong people to people contact between the two nations."

Touting close and similar cultural relations, the Prime Minister said that the two countries shared a strong bond with each other.

Thanking his Nepali counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli for accompanying him to the temple in Janakpur, Prime Minister Modi referred to the latter as "bhai sahab" (My brother).

"I am glad to be here in Janakpur. I am here to pay my respects to King Janak and Mata Janaki. I thank the Prime Minister of Nepal Oli ji, my 'brother' for accompanying me during this visit to Janakpur," the Prime Minister added.

Seeing the huge crowd gathered at the civic reception, Prime Minister Modi underscored that his welcome to the Himalayan nation showed the affection of the people of Nepal they have towards the people of India.

After the two Prime Ministers completed their address, they jointly inaugurated the Nepal-India Friendship Bus Service (Ramayan Circuit Bus Service) from Janakpur to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking about the Janakpur-Ayodhya bus transit route, the Prime Minister said, "Tourism is developing at a fast pace across the world. The Ramayan Circuit has immense potential."

After flagging off the bus, the Province No. 2 government in the town will host Prime Minister Modi at the Bahrabigaha ground, where he will again address the public.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi arrived at Janakpur airport to embark on a two-day visit to Nepal. He was received by various dignitaries of Nepal.

He then proceeded to Ram Janaki temple, where he was received by Prime Minister Oli at the temple gate, along with various high-level dignitaries of Nepal. After that, he offered his prayers at the temple.

Various local artists were lined up at the temple entrance to welcome both the Prime Ministers.

They then together visited the shrines of Lord Ram, Janakidevi, and Lord Shaligram. Prime Minister Modi even sang local religious songs along with the temple artists.

Both the Prime Ministers were seen holding friendly talks among themselves.

Prime Minister Modi was then facilitated by one of the members of the temple board. He was presented with a memento that depicted the landscape of the temple.