Context:  Nepal and India to establish a sister city relationship between Janakpur and Ayodhya.

Historic Agreement: Janakpur and Ayodhya to Become Twin Cities

• In a program organised by the Chamber of India,  hosted by the Nepal Embassy, Janakpur Mayor expressed his desire to establish a sister city relationship between Janakpur and Ayodhya.
• In  2014, an agreement was signed between the two countries for the development of Janakpur and Ayodhya as twin cities.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced the construction of “Ram Janaki Marg” to link Janakpur and Ayodhya for which the government of India allocated IRs. 2,000 crore in 2015

What is a Sister City?

• A sister city connection is an extensive, long-term collaboration between two towns in different nations. 
• Once the top elected official from each nation signs a declaration to become sister cities, a relationship is formally acknowledged. 
• Every sister city organization is autonomous and focuses on the significant themes and activities to them and their community, such as projects and exchanges in government, business, trade, education, and culture.

Janakpur- Ayodhya

• Birthplace:  Janakpur(capital of Mithila) is regarded as the birthplace of Goddess Sita while Ayodhya(capital of Koshal) is the birthplace of Lord Ram.
• Significance: 
  • Basis of Nepal- India ties: The marriage ties between Goddess Sita and Lord Ram in Janakpur during the Ramayana period is the foundation of the relationship in the present time too.
  • Holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

Must Read: Punaura Dham Development Plan

News source: The Economic Times