Prez Bhandari extends best wishes on Mahashivaratri, Army Day

KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has extended her best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Mahashivaratri today. In a message of best wishes, the President expressed, "May Mahashivaratri usher our society to the path of progress and may it spread the light of spiritual awakening to the lives of Nepalis. "Lord Shiva's connection with land of Nepal is described in various Vedic scriptures. It is a matter of pride that Nepal houses the places where Shiva was born, where Shiva strolled around and resided (Pashupath Area). Faith on Lord Shiva is reflected in many ancient cultures being practised by various communities in our country." Nepal has always remained a hub for spiritual seekers who consider Pashupatinath and Kirateshwor Mahadev as another form of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, in Vedic tradition, is considered to be destroyer, yet, Shiva is embodiment of Shaumya and Raudra form which represent both creative and destructive forces. The Head of the State, on the occasion, emphasized preservation and conservation of cultural and religious heritages in Pashupati Area as well as other areas of the country. She was of the view that the universities, researchers and scholars should take the lead to research tangible and intangible heritages spread in Pashupati Area and other parts of the country. Bhandari said that it was our responsibility to hand over the heritages we inherited from our ancestors to future generations in their original form. She further said Mahashivarattri, during which Lord Shiva is worshipped, encourages us to keep pious river like Bagmati in Kathmandu clean. In a similar message, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun has expressed confidence that the festival of Mahashivaratri will enhance mutual harmony, tolerance and brotherhood among all Nepalis. He has also expressed his best wishes to Hindus and Nepali brothers and sisters at home and abroad on the occasion. Similarly, Vice President Pun expressed confidence that the Nepali Army would continue to modernise itself in a timely manner. On the occasion of Nepali Army Day, he has extended his congratulations and best wishes to the Chief of Army Staff and the rank and file of the Nepali Army. Nepali Army has been celebrating Mahashivaratri as Army Day for two decades. By RSS READ ALSO:

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