KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed his best wishes for good health, long life and progress to all Nepalis living in the country and abroad on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, Janaipurnima (Rishitarpani), the great festival of the Hindus and Gaijatra celebrated in the Newari community.

In a message of best wishes today, the Prime Minister has noted that religious and cultural festival of Rakshabandhan will help in enhancing national unity, harmony and brotherhood among Nepalis and has wished that festival inspires everyone to follow the path of truth and integrity.

Although Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrated basically by Hindu Brahmins and Kshatriya community, it is also observed by many religious communities in Nepal.

During this festival, known as Gunpunhi in the Newa culture, brothers and sisters in the Terai region of Nepal tie rakhi to each other to each other and exchange wishes for the enhancement of brotherhood, love and harmony, he has said in the message.

Likewise, the Gaijatra festival, which has religious, cultural and historical significance, is celebrated by the Newari community residing in various places across the country.