Kathmandu, Nov 10: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has called on people to use traditional festivals as an opportunity to strengthen social harmony, tolerance and mutual understanding by putting aside personal differences.
In a message marking Nepal Sambat 1147 (Nhu Daya Bhintuna) and Mha Puja, Shah extended festive greetings to Nepalis at home and abroad, wishing them happiness, peace and prosperity.
Describing Nepal Sambat as an important marker of the country’s cultural identity, Shah recalled that national luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa introduced the lunar calendar after freeing people across the country from debt.
He also highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of Mha Puja, a Newar tradition observed to worship one’s own body and consciousness.
The ritual involves worshipping oneself in a mandap representing the eight immortals. According to Shah, the practice encourages self-purification and greater awareness of one’s own existence.
He said Mha Puja has helped preserve ancestral traditions, promote harmony within the Newar community and strengthen a sense of collective identity, calling the tradition a source of national pride.
The Prime Minister also referred to Govardhan Puja and Hali Tihar, observed on the same day. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Dwarka. The festival involves feeding oxen, which assist farmers in agricultural activities, with flour, salt and bābar, as well as worshipping farming tools such as ploughs and blades.
Shah also highlighted the role of Bhailo and Deusi, traditional festive songs and blessings exchanged among neighbours during Tihar.
He said these traditions help strengthen relationships and foster goodwill among communities, expressing hope that festivals would continue to encourage people to overcome differences and uphold social unity and tolerance.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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