Prez, PM extend wishes on Sonam Lhosar

KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has extended a message of good wishes to all Nepalis living at home and abroad on the occasion of Sonam Lhosar. “The festival may bring happiness, prosperity, peace and progress to all Nepalis. All should focus on preserving and promoting Nepali festivals and culture so as to retain the identity of Nepal and Nepalis at the national and international level,” read the message.
Likewise, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba also issued separate messages of well wishes on the occasion. In his message, Vice President Pun has said that the religious and cultural festivals have strengthened social goodwill and national unity. Likewise, in his message today, PM Oli said that the cultural diversities of Nepal have contributed to unite Nepalis in a single thread of unity.
“Our cultural festivals, costumes can also contribute in the campaign of prosperity,” the PM has said adding that the current government was moving ahead with the goal of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis’. The country is observing the 2855th Sonam Lhosar, a festival celebrated particularly by Tamang community, with various programmes today.
The festival which marks New Year of Tamang community falls in the Shukla Pratipada of the Nepali month of Magh. On the occasion, a special programme will be held in Tundikhel where a variety of clothing, foods and artworks of Tamang community will be put on display, said Belilo Tamang, senior vice chairperson of the main organising committee. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to inaugurate the programme at 1 pm.