Nepali festivals contribute to building Nepal's identity: Prez

President Bidya Devi Bhandari asserted that the Nepali festivals had significantly contributed to interlinking cultural and ethnic diversity thereby building a common Nepali identity.

Extending her best wishes on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti, the first day of Nepali month Magh, today, President Bhandari expressed her confidence that this festival would contribute to conserving nature and cultures as well as building a civilized, well-cultured, and equitable society.

"I am confident that a festival like this would help maintain brotherhood, mutual amity, and tolerance among all Nepalis and further strengthen national unity," Bhandari said in the message of best wishes.

According to her, such festivals were distinct and unique and had played an important role to introduce Nepal abroad.

Various cultures and communities celebrate the Maghe Sankranti festival with much fanfare as per their traditions. Tharu community marks the festival as New Year while the Magar community considers it as their major festival.

People in the Terai belt take a shower in the morning on this day. Devotees take a holy dip in various rivers and ponds, and worship in the temple. People feast on delicacies like ghee, jaggery, yam, sel roti, khichadi, and sweets among others on this day.

"I extend best wishes to all Nepalis sisters and brothers at home and abroad and wish happiness, peace, health, and prosperity for them on this occasion," the message reads.