Kathmandu, Jan 28: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that all castes and communities in Nepal have unique traditions, customs, and cultures that should be protected and promoted. He highlighted Nepal’s identity as a multi-caste, multi-language, multi-cultural, and multi-religious nation, with each community contributing its distinct cultural heritage.
In his address today during the
inauguration of the Sonam Lhosar festival at the Office of the President,
Shital Niwas, the Head of State expressed his belief that festivals like Sonam
Lhosar play a significant role in strengthening national unity. He hoped the
festival would promote mutual goodwill, tolerance, and unity among Nepali
citizens.
The Tamang community, with its rich
cultural features, remains as a significant group and the Lhosar has its
specific and important place and value in the socio-cultural and religious life
of the Tamang people, according to the President.
The President inaugurated the
festival by lighting a lamp followed by a special puja performed by the Lama
priests who chanted mantras. Cultural presentations were also made during the
ceremony.
The President shared his
understanding that the Sonam Lhosar festival reflects the origin, civilization,
cultural existence and identity of the Tamang community. He wished good health,
prosperity, and progress for all, as well as the welfare of the entire humanity
on this auspicious occasion.
As per the Manjushree calendar, the
Sonam Lhosar is celebrated on the Magh Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the
bright lunar fortnight in the month of Magh). This year the festival falls on
January 30, Thursday. (RSS)