President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has said that festivals are part of the country’s wonderful heritage.

The head of state expressed this view while addressing a special cultural programme organised by the Office of the President at Sheetal Niwas on the occasion of the Teej and Jitiya festivals on Saturday.

The President said that the cultural diversity of the country has become successful in maintaining unity among the Nepali people.

“The festivals of Nepal are a splendid cultural heritage which has strengthened the unity among the Nepalis,” the President said, adding that these festivals have been contributing to consolidating the national unity, social harmony, brotherhood and friendship.

She hoped this spirit would continue in the future as well.

The President also said that the festivals celebrated in the country have enriched the culture, art, costumes and civilisation.

“All the festivals that have flourished in cultural richness of the country have their own distinctness and may all these festivals become inspirational,” wished the President.

Stating the country has entered a new situation after the promulgation of the new constitution, the President urged all sides to become committed to establishing an equitable, just, happy, prosperous and a peaceful Nepali society through the socio-economic transformation as per the guidelines of the constitution. 

Present on the occasion were Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Speaker Onsari Gharti, former Vice President Paramananda Jha, former government ministers, parliamentarians, women leaders of the different political parties and artistes.

The Nepal Sanskritik Sansthan, Nepal Civil Employees Association, the Army Wives’ Association and the Police Family Wives Association presented a variety cultural programme on the occasion.