KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed hope that the Maghe Sankranti festival will encourage everyone to build a civilized, cultured, and just society by preserving nature and traditions.

In a message marking the occasion of Maghe Sankranti, the President extended his best wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepali brothers and sisters, both in Nepal and abroad.

Various communities celebrate the festival in their own ways. The Tharu community observes it as their New Year, while people in the Tarai region celebrate it as the festival of baths, known as Nahan.

The President also highlighted the tradition of taking holy baths and offering prayers at religious sites like Barahchhetra, Devghat, Ridi, and others.

President Paudel emphasized that such festivals play a vital role in promoting Nepal’s reputation and in fostering a shared Nepali identity, by linking our unique festivals, cultures, and ethnic diversities.

He expressed confidence that these celebrations will help maintain brotherhood, mutual understanding, and tolerance, thus strengthening national unity.