Festivals like Sonam Lhosar help further strengthen national unity: President

President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed the conviction that festivals like Sonam Lhosar contribute to further consolidating national unity.

In his message of best wishes on the occasion of Sonam Lhosar, festival of the Tamang community today, the Head of State expressed the belief that festivals such as Sonam Lhosar would foster mutual goodwill, tolerance and the sentiment of fraternity in the Nepali society characterized by multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural diversity.

"I wish that the Sonam Lhosar festival further strengthens the unity among all Nepalis and gives energy to all to move ahead to build an economically and socially prosperous country," president Paudel said.

The Sonam Lhosar is celebrated on the day of Magh Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magh as per the lunar calendar. It is the New Year festival of the Tamang community.

On this festival, the Tamang community people offer worship to their clan deity, perform nature worship and recall Buddha's teachings, and also exchange happiness among each other amidst festive celebrations in gatherings.

Along with the Tamangs, other communities such as the Hyolmo, Thakali, Jirel, Nesyangwa, Bhote, Dura, Lepcha, etc living in different parts of the country, have also been celebrating this festival according to their own customs and tradition.