President Ram Chandra Paudel has said festivals foster harmony and fraternity among people from diverse communities.

Giving a message of best wishes on the occasion of Gyalpo Lhosar today, President Paudel said that the festivals like Gyalpo Lhosar help us create and enhance unity, socio-cultural solidarity, tolerance and fraternity. He expressed belief that the festival would ultimately reinforce national unity.   

The Head of State wished peace, prosperity and happiness to all Nepali sisters and brothers in the country and abroad on this occasion.

According to him, the Gyalpo Lhosar is celebrated as the New Year by the Sherpa community of Mahayan Buddhist sect settled in the mountainous region of Nepal.

A special delicacy made up of nine species of grains called 'guthuk', and 'khapse' are prepared and eaten during this festival. 

The New Year greetings are also exchanged. 

The government has given a public holiday today.