KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has said festivals foster mutual harmony and unity in diverse communities.

Giving a message of best wishes on the occasion of the major festival of Kirat community, Ubhauli, today, President Paudel viewed festivals have a role to build a civilized and cultured society in addition to social unity.

“I believe the Ubhauli festival would further consolidate culture solidarity among all Nepalis,” he said wishing that the Ubhauli would inspire all Nepalis to contribute from their respective sides to build an equitable and civilized society.

The Ubhauli festival is celebrated by the Kirat people living in the eastern part of the country and in the Kathmandu Valley.

The Kirtat people worship nature and ancestors, aspiring for good crops to be cultivated after the Spring season.

They believe the natural disasters would not befall them with the worship of nature and crops.