Kathmandu, Oct 21: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed her best wishes, stating that may the light of Diwali inspires everyone to move forward on the path of truth, justice, virtue and humanity.
In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Tihar Festival–2082, she wished happiness, peace, prosperity and continued progress to all Nepalis living at home and abroad on the auspicious occasion of the great Nepali festival of Tihar.
“In this difficult time when the country is going through extremely challenging circumstances, I believe festivals like Tihar will help enhance the spirit of mutual harmony, tolerance and unity among Nepalis,” the former President said, adding that may this bright festival inspires everyone to seek solutions to any differences or animosities between us through peaceful dialogue, cooperation and public consensus.
The tradition of performing Deusi-Bhailo cultural programmes, intimately linked with Tihar, is a purely Nepali indigenous culture, which conveys a message of strengthening unity and fraternity in society, she said in the message.
The message stated that during the festival of Tihar, traditions continue including worship of animals closely associated with human life such as crows, dogs, cows and oxen, as well as the goddess Laxmi, symbolising wealth and prosperity, the Govardhan festival representing natural resources, and the practice of sisters offering Bhaitika to their brothers, along with playing Deusi-Bhailo, singing, dancing, and entertainment.
“Celebrating Tihar in this way, our original cultural tradition not only highlights the interdependent relationship between nature, human life, and the animal kingdom but also deepens the mutual affection between sisters and brothers,” the former President said in her message.
