Nepal President, Prime Minister greet nation on Vijaya Dashami

Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Friday greeted the nation on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami and said that the festival provides an opportunity for reunion of families and exchange of happiness.

Hindus across Nepal are observing Vijaya Dashami festivities, the biggest festival in the Himalayan country.

"Our cultures are the greatest treasures of the country, contributing significantly in maintaining social unity, communal harmony and mutual goodwill," President Bhandari said in her Vijaya Dashami message.

She said the festival would provide an opportunity for the reunion among the families and exchange of happiness.

"The festivals that have been observed in our society since time immemorial are the pillars to keep our cultural identity and unity intact and to unite the geographical, religious, racial, cultural and linguistic diversity in the country," she said.

President Bhandari and former King Gyanendra separately offered 'tika' to distinguished persons as well as general public.

In his Vijaya Dashami message, Prime Minister Oli urged everyone to participate in the greater task of nation building without being divided as ruling and opposition groups.

"We wanted to move towards achieving the target of a prosperous Nepal and happy Nepali," said Oli.

Opposition Nepali Congress President and former prime minister Sher Bahadur Dueba also greeted people on the Vijaya Dashami and said the festival would inspire all to work for the country in harmony and unity.

Vijaya Dashami, also known as Dashain in Nepal, is a major Hindu festival celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil.

People offer prayers at temples of Goddess Durga, prepare feasts and fly kites during the festival.