Chhath festival will foster national unity: Prez Paudel

KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel has conveyed his conviction that the Chhath festival will foster national unity among the Nepali people.

In a message of greetings issued today for Chhath Festival–2082 BS, he remarked, "I am confident that this festival will motivate the elimination of all forms of discrimination, bias, and inequality, including those related to class, ethnicity, and gender, thus enhancing national unity among all Nepalis, while also preserving and promoting indigenous culture and reinforcing mutual harmony."

President Paudel further noted that the Chhath festival will play a significant role in achieving sustainable peace, good governance, development and prosperity. The festival of Chhath is celebrated with great reverence for the sun, water and the earth, involving the worship of the Chhathi goddess, performing rituals and fasting, while vigilantly staying awake overnight along the banks of rivers, ponds and lakes in a festive and joyful manner.

It is believed that fulfilling the Chhath fast correctly yields desired outcomes, enhances family well‑being and alleviates personal sorrows and troubles, ushering in auspiciousness. President Paudel emphasised, "Recognising that life on Earth is dependent on the sun, dedicating oneself both physically and mentally to remain at locations where water flows from the fourth to the seventh day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, offering milk to the rising and setting sun, and engaging in worship during this festival appears to assist individuals in fulfilling their responsibilities towards nature, fostering environmental awareness, as well as promoting family and social unity."