Prez, PM extend  greetings on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti, Maghi

KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari extended best wishes to all Nepalis sisters and brothers at home and abroad on the occasion of the Maghi festival/Maghe Sankranti observed on the first day of Magh month of Nepali calendar. 

In the message of best wishes given on Saturday, President Bhandari wished all Nepalis health, happiness, peace and prosperity. 

Stating that the Maghe Sankranti or Makar Sankranti is being observed with fervor among various ethnicities while Tharus mark the day as the New Year, President Bhandari viewed that the Maghi festival contributes to fostering national unity.

The Head of the State urged all the Nepalis to take care of their health and well-being and celebrate the festival adhering to health safety protocols against COVID-19.

According to her, Nepali society is a beautiful blend of nature and cultures and many of our festivals are interconnected to nature. It is said the Sun enters into the northern hemisphere from today. 

The President viewed that we should acknowledge that our practices and activities should be eco-friendly and we should conserve the environment. She further stated that Nepal's unique festivities handed over from generation to generation since ancient times have elated our lives and helped shape the unique identity of Nepal.

President Bhandari also opined that such festivities would further boost communal goodwill and tolerance. 

The festival is celebrated eating delicacies like yam, edible roots, butter, molasses, comfit with sesame seeds, and taking bath in holy rivers and ponds.

PM Deuba urges to comply with health safety protocol against COVID-19

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba also extended best wishes to all the Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Maghi and Makar Sankranti that falls on Magh 1st of Nepali calendar every year. 

In a message of best wishes given today, PM Deuba wished everyone good health, happiness, peace and longevity. Deuba urged one and all to observe the festival adhering to health and safety protocols against COVID-19 since, he said, the new variant of COVID-19 had caused greater risk. 

"Although the preventive measures against COVID-19 taken by the government were effective, the new variant of COVID-19 has increased a great deal of risk. Hence, I urge one and all to celebrate the festival with fanfare but in serious consideration of all precautions against COVID-19," the PM appealed in the message. 

The Tharus and Magars among other ethnic communities mark Magh 1st as Maghi festival while Nepalis, in general, celebrate it as Maghe Sankranti or Makar Sankranti. It is believed that the Sun enters into the northern hemisphere from today onwards.

Stating that our cultures and festivities possess distinct properties, PM Deuba reminded that unity in diversity and social amity are our cultural assets.

Furthermore, he expressed his confidence that the festival would help in further strengthening the bond among the Nepalis as well as the mutual goodwill and tolerance in the Nepali society.