President stresses on protection of culture of all castes, communities

KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that all castes and communities in Nepal have unique traditions, customs, and cultures that should be protected and promoted. He highlighted Nepal’s identity as a multi-caste, multi-language, multi-cultural, and multi-religious nation, with each community contributing its distinct cultural heritage.

In his address today during the inauguration of the Sonam Lhosar festival at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas, the Head of State expressed his belief that festivals like Sonam Lhosar play a significant role in strengthening national unity. He hoped the festival would promote mutual goodwill, tolerance, and unity among Nepali citizens.

The Tamang community, with its rich cultural features, remains as a significant group and the Lhosar has its specific and important place and value in the socio-cultural and religious life of the Tamang people, according to the President.

The President inaugurated the festival by lighting a lamp followed by a special puja performed by the Lama priests who chanted mantras. Cultural presentations were also made during the ceremony.

The President shared his understanding that the Sonam Lhosar festival reflects the origin, civilization, cultural existence and identity of the Tamang community. He wished good health, prosperity, and progress for all, as well as the welfare of the entire humanity on this auspicious occasion.

As per the Manjushree calendar, the Sonam Lhosar is celebrated on the Magh Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the bright lunar fortnight in the month of Magh). This year the festival falls on January 30, Thursday.