Festival Greetings: President Bhandari wishes strengthening of national unity

(To be disseminated on Jan 15)

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has wished further strengthening of national unity with the spread of peace and happiness among the Nepalis.

In a message of best wishes given on the occasion of Maghe Sakranti today, President Bhandari extended her best wishes to all the Nepalis sisters and brothers at home and abroad. Bhandari said that unique cultural heritages as such festivals had helped had played a vital role to make our country be known across the globe.

The message reads, "I am confident that our festivals would help maintain common Nepali identity by fostering the cultural and communal diversity."

Maghe Sakranti is observed on the first day of Nepali month of Magh. Various communities observe this festivals with fanfare as per their tradition. The Tharu community observe this particular day as their New Year.

On this day, people bathe and perform rituals and eat special delicacies such as sweets made up of sesame seeds, sweet potatoes and yam, among others.