Fagu best wishes

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Mar. 13: President Ramchandra Paudel has extended his best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepali brothers and sisters residing both in Nepal and abroad on the occasion of Fagu, the festival of colours.

On his message issued on Thursday, the President expressed his belief that the festival will contribute to strengthening social harmony and national unity among all Nepali people by encouraging the abandonment of anger and hatred and fostering love and affection. “I extend my best wishes for the Holi festival to inspire the eradication of various distortions, disparities and social evils in society and to promote the preservation and enhancement of our cultural heritage,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav also wished all Nepalis on the occasion of Holi. He said that although the festival is celebrated by different names, its essence lies in exchanging happiness with mutual goodwill, brotherhood and harmony.

He said that herbal and natural colours should be used while playing Holi as use of artificial colours would adversely affect human health. He said, “It is our responsibility to maintain a balance in the environment and keep our ancient culture and lifestyle alive.”

Holi, celebrated as the victory of truth over falsehood, justice over injustice, righteousness over unrighteousness and goodness over evil, is not only a festival but also an emotion. The festival begins with the raising of a ‘Chir’ (decorated flag) at the Hanumandhokha Durbar area on eighth day of the waxing moon in the month of Falgun and concludes with the burning of the flag on the night of the full moon.