The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) comprises eight member states - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. SAARC was established in 1985 when its charter was formally adopted. It aims to promote cooperation in economic, social, cultural and technical fields among South Asian nations.

1. SAARC Countries
The South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) comprises eight member
states (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives,
Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri-Lanka) .The SAARC was
established when its Charted was formally adopted
on 8 December 1985.SAARC is a manifestation of
the determination of the people of the South Asia to
work together in a sprit of friendship, trust and
understanding and to create an order based on
mutual respect, equity and shared benefits.

2. SAARC: It’s Origin
The South Asian Association for Regional
 Afghanistan Cooperation (SAARC) is an organization of
South Asian nations, founded in December
1985 and dedicated to economic,
 Bangladesh technological, social, and cultural
development emphasizing collective self-
reliance. Its seven founding members are
 Bhutan Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives,
Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan
 India joined the organization in 2005. Meetings of
heads of state are usually scheduled
annually; meetings of foreign secretaries,
 Maldives twice annually. It is headquartered in
Kathmandu, Nepal.
 Nepal The 11 stated areas of cooperation are:
agriculture; education, culture, and sports;
 Pakistan
health, population, and child welfare; the
environment and meteorology; rural
 Sri Lanka
development (including the SAARC Youth
Volunteers Program); tourism; transport;
science and technology; communications.

3.  The concept of SAARC was
first adopted by Bangladesh
during 1977, under the
administration of President
History
Ziaur Rahman. In the late
1970s, SAARC nations
agreed upon the creation of
a trade bloc consisting of
South Asian countries. The
idea of regional cooperation
in South Asia was again
mooted in May 1980. The
foreign secretaries of the
seven countries met for the
first time in Colombo in
April 1981. The Committee
of the Whole, which met in
Colombo in August 1985,
identified five broad areas
for regional cooperation.
New areas of cooperation
were added in the following
years.

4. Objectives
 The objectives of the Association as
defined in the Charter are:
 to promote the welfare of the people of
South Asia and to improve their quality
of life;
 to accelerate economic growth, social
progress and cultural development in
the region and to provide all
individuals the opportunity to live in
dignity and to realize their full potential;
 to promote and strengthen collective
self-reliance among the countries of
South Asia;
 to contribute to mutual trust,
understanding and appreciation of one
another's problems;
 to promote active collaboration and
mutual assistance in the economic,
social, cultural, technical and scientific
fields;
 to strengthen cooperation with other
developing countries;
 to strengthen cooperation among
themselves in international forums on
matters of common interest; and
 to cooperate with international and
regional organisations with similar aims
and purposes.

5.  The SAARC Secretariat was established in
Kathmandu on 16 January 1987 and was

inaugurated by Late King
Birendra Bir Bikram Shah of Nepal.
It is headed by a Secretary General
Secretariat
appointed by the Council of Ministers from
Member Countries in alphabetical order for a
three-year term. He is assisted by the
Professional and the General Services Staff,
and also an appropriate number of
functional units called Divisions assigned to
Directors on deputation from Member
States. The Secretariat coordinates and
monitors implementation of activities,
prepares for and services meetings, and
serves as a channel of communication
between the Association and its Member
States as well as other regional
organizations.
 The Memorandum of Understanding on the
establishment of the Secretariat which was
signed by Foreign Ministers of member
countries on 17 November 1986 at
Bangalore, India contains various clauses
concerning the role, structure and
administration of the SAARC Secretariat as
well as the powers of the Secretary-General.
 In several recent meetings the heads of
state or government of member states of
SAARC have taken some important decisions
and bold initiatives to strengthen the
organisation and to widen and deepen
regional co-operation.
 The SAARC Secretariat and Member States
observe 8 December as the SAARC Charter
Day1.

6. South Asian Free Trade Area
 Over the years, the SAARC
members have expressed their
unwillingness on signing a free
trade agreement. Though India has
several trade pacts with Maldives,
Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka,
similar trade agreements with
Pakistan and Bangladesh have
been stalled due to political and
economic concerns on both sides.
In 1993, SAARC countries signed
an agreement to gradually lower
tariffs within the region, in Dhaka.
Eleven years later, at the 12th
SAARC Summit at Islamabad,
SAARC countries devised the
South Asia Free Trade Agreement
which created a framework for the
establishment of a free trade area
covering 1.6 billion people. This
agreement went into force on
January 1, 2008. Under this
agreement, SAARC members will
bring their duties down to 20 per
cent by 2009.

7. Countries in Focus
1. BANGLADESH
2. BHUTAN
3. INDIA
4. NEPAL

8. 1.Bangladesh-Location
 Bangladesh is Located in the north-eastern
part of South Asia. The majestic Himalayas
stand some distance to the north, while in
the south lays the Bay of Bengal. There is
West Bengal border on the west and in the
east lie the hilly and forested regions of
Tripura, Mizoram (India) and Myanmar.
These picturesque geographical boundaries
frame a low lying plain of about 1,47,570
square kilometer criss-crossed by
innumerable rivers and streams. Mighty
rivers are the Padma (Ganges), the
Brahmaputra (Jamuna) & the Meghna and
the Karnafuli.
 Bangladesh offers many tourist attractions,
including archaeological sites, historical
mosques and monuments, longest natural
beach in the world, picturesque landscape,
hill forests and wildlife, rolling tea gardens
and tribes. Tourists find the rich flora and
fauna and colorful tribal life very enchanting.
Each part of the country offers distinctly
different topography, flavors and food. It is
home to the Royal Bengal Tigers, freshwater
pink dolphins, historical temples made of red
earth.
 Some of the better known tourist attractions
are: Srimangal, where miles of tea gardens
are located, Mainamati, Mahasthangarh,
Paharpur for archaeology, Rangamati, Kaptai
and Cox's Bazar for sight seeing, and the
Sundarbans for wild life and the greatest
Mangrove forest of the world, and Foy's Lake
for scenic beauty.

9. Bangladesh-Places of Interest
 Historical places: National Memorial, Central Shahid Minar,
Martyred Memorial,, Bahadurshah Park Curzon Hall Baldha Garden,
Natore - Dighapatiya Rajbari, World War II Cemetery, Sagordari,
Jessore Mujibnagar Memorial Gandhi Asram
 Hills & Islands: Rangamati - the lake district, Kaptai
- The lake town, Bandarban - the roof of Bangladesh, Khagrachhari
- the hilltop town, Mymensingh Moheshkhali Sonadia Island
 Forest & Jungle: Sundarban, Wari Bateshwar Mahasthangarh
Paharpur Mainamati, Shait Gombudge Mosque, Kantaji's Temple
Lalbagh Fort, Sonargaon , Ahsan Manzil

10. Bangladesh- Festivals
 Pahela Baishakh
 Independence Day
 Eid-e-Miladunnabi
 Eid-ul-Fitr
 Eid-ul-Azha
 Muharram
 Durga Puja
 Christmas
 Rabindra & Nazrul
Jayanti

11. Bangladesh- Dress
 Bangladeshi women habitually wear Sarees. Jamdani was once world famous for it's
most artistic and expensive ornamental fabric. Moslin, a fine and artistic type of cloth
was well-known worldwide. Naksi Kantha, embroidered quilted patchwork cloth
produced by the village women, is still familiar in villages and towns simultaneously.
A common hairstyle is Beni (twisted bun) that Bangalee women are fond of.
Traditionally males wear Panjabis, Fatuas and Pajamas. Hindus wear Dhuty for
religious purposes. Now-a-days common dresses of males are shirts and pants.
 Bangladeshi people have unique dress preferences. Bangladeshi men wear panjabi
on religious and cultural occasions, lungi as casual wear and shirt-pant on formal
occasions. Shari is the main dress of Bangladeshi women. Sari weaving is a
traditional art in Bangladesh. Shalwar Kamij is quite popular, especially among
younger women. Some women in urban areas also wear pants, skirts and tops.

12. Bangladesh- Cuisine
 Panta Ilish - a traditional platter of
Panta bhat with fried Hilsa slice,
supplemented with dried fish (Shutki),
pickles (Achar), dal, green chillies and
onion - is a popular serving for the
Pohela Boishakh festival.
 Bangladesh is famous for its distinctive
culinary tradition, and delicious food,
snacks and savories. Boiled rice
constitutes the staple food, and is
served with a variety of vegetables,
fried as well as curries, thick lentil
soups, and fish and meat preparations
of mutton and chicken, and more rarely
pork and beef by certain groups.
Sweetmeats of Bangladesh are mostly
milk based, and consist of several
delights including Roshgulla, Sandesh,
Rasamalai, Gulap Jamun, Kalo Jamun,
Chom Chom. Several other sweet
preparations are also available. Bengali
cuisine is rich and varied with the use
of many specialized spices and
flavours. Fish is the dominant source of
protein, cultivated in ponds and fished
with nets in the fresh-water rivers of
the Ganges delta. More than forty
types of mostly freshwater fish are
common, including carp varieties like
rui (rohu), katla, magur (catfish),
chingŗi (prawn or shrimp), as well as
shuţki (dried sea fish). Salt water fish
(not sea fish though) Ilish (hilsa ilisha)
is very popular among Bengalis, can be
called an icon of Bengali cuisine.

13. 2. Bhutan- Location
 Bhutan, is a
landlocked state in
South Asia, located at
the eastern end of the
Himalayas and
bordered to the south,
east and west by the
Republic of India and
to the north by the
People's Republic of China
. Bhutan is separated
from the nearby
country of Nepal to the
west by the Indian
state of Sikkim, and
from Bangladesh to
the south by
West Bengal

14. Bhutan-Places of Interest
 Paro
 Takshang
 Thimpu
 Punakha
 Wangdi
Phodrang
 Tongsa
 Bumthang
 Mongar
 Trashigang

15. Bhutan- Festivals
 Once a year a dzong or important village may hold a religious festival, or Tsechu. Villagers from the
surrounding district come for several days of religious observances and socializing while
contributing auspicious offerings to the lama or monastery of the festival. The central activity is a
fixed set of religious mask dances, or cham, held in a large courtyard. Each individual dance takes
up to several hours to complete and the entire set may last two to four days. Observation of the
dances directly blesses the audience and also serves to transmit principles of Tantric Buddhism to
the villagers. A number of the dances can be traced directly back to Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
himself, the founder of Bhutan, and have been passed down essentially unchanged since the
mid-17th century.
 Prior to dawn on the final day of the tsechu a huge tapestry, or thongdrel, is unfurled in the
courtyard of the dzong for several hours. The mere sight of it is believed to bring spiritual
liberation. The thongdrel is rolled up before the rays of the morning sun can strike it.

16. 
Bhutan- Dress
All Bhutanese citizens are required to observe the national dress code, known as
Driglam Namzha, while in public during daylight hours. The rule is enforced more
rigorously in some districts (dzongkhag) than others. Men wear a heavy knee-length robe
tied with a belt, called a gho, folded in such a way to form a pocket in front of the
stomach. Women wear colourful blouses over which they fold and clasp a large
rectangular cloth called a kira, thereby creating an ankle-length dress. A short silk jacket,
or toego may be worn over the kira. Everyday gho and kira are cotton or wool, according
to the season, patterned in simple checks and stripes in earth tones. For special occasions
and festivals, colourfully patterned silk kira and, more rarely, gho may be worn.
 Additional rules of protocol apply when visiting a dzong or a temple, or when appearing
before a high-level official. Male commoners wear a white sash (kabney) from left
shoulder to opposite hip. Local and regional elected officials, government ministers,
cabinet members, and the King himself each wear their own colored kabney. Women wear
a narrow embroidered cloth draped over the left shoulder, a rachu.

17. Bhutan- Cuisine
 The staple foods of Bhutan are red rice
(like brown rice in texture, but with a
nutty taste, the only variety of rice that
grows in high altitudes), buckwheat,
and increasingly maize. The diet in the
hills also includes chicken, yak meat,
beef, pork, pork fat and mutton. Soups
and stews of meat, rice, ferns, lentils,
and dried vegetables spiced with
chillies and cheese are a favourite meal
during the cold seasons. Zow shungo is
a rice dish mixed with
leftover vegetables. Ema datshi, made
very spicy with cheese and chillies, akin
to chili con queso, might be called the
national dish for its ubiquity and the
pride that Bhutanese have for it. Other
foods include jasha maru, a chicken
dish; phaksha paa and fried rice. Dairy
foods, particularly butter and cheese
from yaks and cows, are also popular,
and indeed almost all milk is turned
into butter and cheese. Popular
beverages include: butter tea,
black tea, locally brewed ara (rice wine
), and beer. Spices include: curry,
cardamom, ginger, chillies, garlic,
turmeric, and caraway.
 When offered food, one says meshu
meshu, covering one's mouth with the
hands in refusal according to
Bhutanese manners, and then gives in
on the second or third offer.

18. 3. India- Location
 India is a country in South Asia. It is
the seventh-largest country by
geographical area, the
second-most populous country with
over 1.2 billion people, and the most
populous democracy in the world.
 Home to the ancient
Indus Valley Civilization and a region
of historic trade routes and vast
empires, the Indian subcontinent was
identified with its commercial and
cultural wealth for much of its long
history.[13] Four of the world's major
religions—Hinduism, Buddhism,
Jainism and Sikhism—originated here,
whereas Zoroastrianism, Christianity
and Islam arrived in the 1st
millennium CE and also helped shape
the region's diverse culture.[14]
Gradually annexed by the
British East India Company from the
early 18th century and colonized by
the United Kingdom from the
mid-19th century, India became an
independent nation in 1947 after a
struggle for independence which was
marked by non-violent resistance led
by Mahatma Gandhi.

19. India-Places of Interest
 A Glimpse into Northern India
 Golden Triangle Tours
 Grand Tours Of India
 India Deluxe Trips
 India Royal Tours
 Indian Mixture
 Majestic Palaces
 Rajasthan in Colour
 Rustic Rajasthan
 Majestic Himalayas
 Tiger Safari Tours
 Wildlife in The
Rajasthan
 Cultural Tours of india
 Best Of South India
 Cultural Tours of South
India
 Essential India
 Cochin Tours
 Gandhi's Gujarat &
Navratri
 Pilgrimage Cultural
Tours
 Eastern India

20. India- Festivals
 India, being a multi-cultural and multi-religious society, celebrates holidays and
festivals of various religions. The four national holidays in India, the
Independence Day, the Republic Day, the Gandhi Jayanti,and 1st may are celebrated
with zeal and enthusiasm across India. In addition, many states and regions have
local festivals depending on prevalent religious and linguistic demographics. Popular
religious festivals include the Hindu festivals of Navratri, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi,
Durga puja, Holi, Rakshabandhan and Dussehra. Several harvest festivals, such as
Sankranthi, Pongal and Onam,"Nuakhai" are also fairly popular.
 Certain festivals in India are celebrated by multiple religions. Notable examples
include Diwali, which is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and Buddh Purnima,
celebrated by Buddhists and Hindus. Islamic festivals, such Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha
and Ramadan, are celebrated by Muslims across India. Sikh Festivals, such as
Guru Nanak Jayanti, Baisakhi are celebrated with full fanfare by Sikhs and Hindu.
Adding colors to the culture of India, the Dree Festival is one of the tribal festivals of
India celebrated by the Apatanis of the Ziro valley of Arunachal Pradesh, which is the
easternmost state of India.

21. 
India- Dress
Traditional clothing in India greatly varies across different parts of the
country and is influenced immensely by local culture, geography and
climate. Popular styles of dress include draped garments such as sari
for women and dhoti or lungi for men; in addition, stitched clothes such
as churidar for women and kurta-pyjama and European-style trousers
and shirts for men, are also popular.
 In India, a person's social status is perceived to be symbolized by his or
her attire. Indian dress etiquette discourages exposure of skin and
wearing transparent or tight clothes.[23] Most Indian clothes are made
from cotton which is ideal for the region's hot weather.[24] Since
India's weather is mostly hot and rainy, majority of Indians wear
sandals.[25]
 Worn by women on their forehead, the bindi is considered to be a
highly auspicious mark in Hindu religion. Traditionally, the red bindi (or
sindoor) was worn only by the married Hindu women, but now it has
become a part of women's fashion. Some Indian traditions consider the
bindi to be representative of the third eye.

22. India- Cuisine
 The cuisine in India is classified into three major
categories. Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Satva which stand
for balance, Rajas stands for passion, and Tamas stands
for indulgence. Food is consumed according to the lifestyle
of the person. For example: A King has to be aggressive
to defend his country, he would be taking food which
would give much passion and that aggressiveness which is
required. When a person tries to lead his life in want of
self realisaiton, he would prefer a Satvic food or known as
Sattvic diet, which would help to keep his mind in balance.
Tamasic food or known as Static foods is to be taken only
if its required, like consumption of Alcohol. This is the
reason why in many Indians try to abstain drinking.
 The multiple varieties of Indian cuisine are characterized
by their sophisticated and subtle use of many Spices and
Herbs. Each family of this cuisine is characterized by a
wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques.
Though a significant portion of Indian food is vegetarian,
many traditional Indian dishes also include: chicken, goat,
lamb, fish, and other meats.
 India is known for its love for food and spices, and it plays
a role in everyday life as well as in festivals. Indian cuisine
varies from region to region, reflecting the
varied demographics of the country. Generally, Indian
cuisine can be split into 5 categories — northern, southern
, eastern, western and north-eastern.
 Despite this diversity, some unifying threads emerge.
Varied uses of spices are an integral part of food
preparation, and are used to enhance the flavor of a dish
and create unique flavors and aromas. Cuisine across
India has also been influenced by various cultural groups
that entered India throughout history, such as the
Persians, Mughals, and European colonists. Though the
tandoor originated in Central Asia, Indian tandoori dishes,
such as chicken tikka made with Indian ingredients, enjoy
widespread popularity.

23. 4. Nepal- Location
 Federal Democratic Republic of
Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state
located in South Asia. It is located in
the Himalayas and bordered to the
north by the
People's Republic of China, and to the
south, east, and west by the
Republic of India. Kathmandu is the
nation's capital and the country's
largest metropolis.
 Nepal has a rich geography. The
mountainous north has eight of the
world's ten tallest mountains,
including the highest point on Earth,
Mount Everest, called Sagarmatha in
Nepali. It contains more than 240
peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above
sea level. The fertile and humid south
is heavily urbanized.
 By some measures, Hinduism is
practised by a larger majority of
people in Nepal than in any other
nation.[8] Buddhism, though a
minority faith in the country, is linked
historically with Nepal. Many Nepali do
not distinguish between Hinduism and
Buddhism and follow both religious
traditions. There are 3 different
buddhist traditions: Himalayan
Buddhism, Buddhism of Kathmandu
Valley (mostly Mahayana and
Vajrayana), and also the Theravada
Buddhism.

24. Nepal-Places of Interest
 Kathmandu
 Patan
 Pokhran
 Bhaktapur
 Kathmandu
 Kathmandu
Durbar Square
 Taleju temple
 Jagannath temple
 Kal Bhairav
Temple:
 King Pratap Malla
Statue:
 Kumari Ghar
 Kasthamandap
Temple
 Syambhunath
Temple
 Lumbini
 Janakpur
 Chitwan
 Royal Bardia
National Park
 Tansen
 Gorkha
 Annapurna Region
 Everest Region
 Langtang

25. Nepal- Festivals
 Several of the festivals of Nepal last from one day to several days. Dashain is the longest and the
most important festival of Nepal. Generally Dashain falls in late September to mid October, right
after the end of the monsoon season in Nepal. It is "a day of Victory over Demons". Tihar is another
important festival of Nepal.
 Other important festivals include Buddha Jayanti (the celebration of the birth of Buddha);
Maha Shivaratri, a festival of Lord Shiva, and during Maha Shivaratri festivities, some people
consume excessive drinks and smoke charas. Sherpas, mostly located at higher altitudes and in the
Everest region, celebrate Mani Rimdu, for the good of the world. Most festivals include dancing and
music and eating all kinds of local delicacies. A variety of foods is consumed during festivals and on
special occasions. If one has to taste Nepali food, Newa cuisine is a must have; a festive meal, like
one served during a marriage, is a real treat, and include vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian
dishes.

26. Nepal- Dress
 Men's Clothing: Daura-Suruwal, typically
termed as 'Labeda-Suruwal' is the
traditional Nepali dress. The dress has
several religious beliefs identifying its
designs and has therefore remained the
same from the years. The Daura has eight
strings that serves to tie itself up around
the body. Eight is the lucky number in
Nepali mythology. Also, the Daura has five
pleats or Kallis, signifying Pancha Buddha
or Pancha Ratna. And the closed neck of
the Daura signifies the snake around the
Lord Shiva's neck.
 Women's Clothing: The Nepali dress for
women is a cotton sari (Guniu), a cloth
garment worn with a blouse. Women in
Nepal wear a sari-like garment called a
guniu. The guniu can be woven from
cottons or silk fabrics. In Nepal, the sari is
commonly draped around the waist and
worn with a separate shawl like garment
on the upper body. This style of draping is
called Haku patasi.
 Sherpa Dress:Traditional Sherpa dress
consists of a knee-length robe woven of
yak wool. This garment is similar for both
men and women and is worn with yak
wool pants. Boots made of yak hide and
stuffed with dried grass for warmth were
traditional. Today, many Sherpas have
opted for Western dress, including cowboy
hats and boots.

27. 
Nepal- Cuisine
A typical Nepalese meal is dal-bhat-tarkari. Dal is a spicy
lentil soup, served over bhat (boiled rice), served with
tarkari (curried vegetables) together with achar (pickles)
or chutni (spicy condiment made from fresh ingredients).
The Newar community, however, has its own unique
cuisine. It consists of non-vegetarian as well as vegetarian
items served with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Mustard oil is the cooking medium and a host of spices,
such as cumin, coriander, black peppers, sesame seeds,
turmeric, garlic, ginger, methi (fenugreek), bay leaves,
cloves, cinnamon, pepper, chillies, mustard seeds, etc.,
are used in the cooking. The cuisine served on festivals is
generally the best.
 The food of Nepal is as diverse as the country itself. The
Nepalese recipes are quick to cook and good to eat.
Nepalese food is famous for its nutrition level and
tempting taste. Whilst Nepalese cuisine is somewhat
basic, it certainly does not lack in flavor, making extensive
use of spices and flavorings such as ginger, garlic,
coriander, pepper, cumin, chilies, cilantro, mustard oil,
ghee and occasionally yak butter. Come let us savour
some of the famous dishes of Nepal.
 Famous Nepalese Cuisine
Gundrook- Dheedo is a sugar-free dish made of wheat,
maize and dried green vegetable.
Alu Tama means 'Potato Bamboo Shoots'. It is a unique
and classic Nepali curry flavor dish.
Vegetable Pulao (Fried Nepali Rice) is popular ways
rice is served during the parties and events.
Masu is spiced or curried meat (usually chicken, mutton,
buffalo or pork) with gravy. Served with rice, it is a main
course dish, very popular in Nepal.
Vegetable Thukpa (Egg Noodles)
Tibetan Vegetable Thukpa is one of the main food. During
Tibetan new year celebration 'Losar'the dish is a part of
celebration and tradition for the Nepalese.
Chatamari regarded as Newari pizza, Chatamari is a flat
bread.