Kathmandu, Oct 26 :President Bidya Devi Bhandari has urged all to observe the festivals by observing social distancing considering the risk of COVID-19.    
In a message today on the occasion of Bada Dashain festival, 2077, President Bhandari has wished all the Nepalis at home and abroad happiness, peace, prosperity, long life and continued progress, while urging all to follow the health protocol to save oneself and others from the deadly virus. The President has also expressed the confidence that the festival would help promote social unity, mutual good will and fraternity.

likewise, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended best wishes to all the Nepali brothers and sisters at home and abroad on the occasion of Bada Dashain festival. Stating that festivals are also the basis of social arrangement, he has pointed out the need to move ahead by internalizing it.    
The Prime Minister has also appealed to all to observe the festival in a cost-effective and appropriate manner while also doing away with the negative activities carried out in the name of festival. "This Dashain lets celebrate it from the location where we are at the moment, considering the high risk of infection on senior citizens, children and people with underlying health condition," the PM has said in the message.    
He has also shared that the 'public tika programme' held every year at the Prime Minister's residence will not be held considering the risk of infection.