Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah and President Ramchandra Paudel share heartfelt festive wishes for Bada Dashain, underlining family cohesion and social harmony. (Pic Credit: IANS)
The floods left 1,455 people dead, 5,285 missing and more than 13,000 rescued, according to the figures cited in his message. In his message, Prime Minister Shah said his government was committed to generating employment opportunities and promoting prosperity within the country so that Nepalis would not be compelled to travel abroad in search of work, according to the news agency PTI.
Describing Bada Dashain as a festival that brings families together, Shah said it strengthens relationships, encourages unity and fosters closer bonds among people. “The sky itself feels different, the earth carries a unique fragrance, and the surroundings become naturally filled with joy and exuberance,” he said, describing the festive atmosphere. Referring to the recent devastating flash floods in Bhotekoshi, Shah said this year’s festivities had arrived while the country was still mourning the loss of lives and damage caused by the disaster.
He noted that the festival’s religious, cultural and social significance had also helped connect Nepalis living across different parts of the world. Nepal Prime minister Balendra Shah and president Ramchandra Paudel on Saturday conveyed their greetings to the people on Bada Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami , the country’s biggest festival, highlighting its importance in fostering family ties, social harmony and national unity.
Their messages were issued on Phulpati, the seventh day of the 15-day Dashain festival. The prime minister offered prayers for those who lost their lives, wished the injured a speedy recovery and expressed condolences to the affected families. The occasion signals the start of the main festive period, when government offices close and celebrations gather momentum across Nepal. He added that the government was working urgently to rehabilitate people displaced by the disaster.