KATHMANDU, Jan 30: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has attended the Basanta Shrawan ritual at Nasalchowk in Hanumandhoka Durbar Square on the occasion of Shree Panchami this morning.
President Bhandari listened to the verses recited by priests at the auspicious hour of 9.05 am this morning as recommended by the Nepal Panchanga (Calendar) Determination Committee. The President also received tika and prasad from priests.
On the occasion, Prime Minster KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana, Speaker of the House of Representatives Agni Sapkota, ministers, constitutional bodies' chiefs, high-placed government officials and security agencies' chiefs also listened to the verses and received tika and prasad.
Prez Bhandari attends Basanta Shrawan ritual
President Bhandari was offered a guard of honour by a contingent of the Nepal Army. There is a tradition that the President as the head of the nation listens to the verses on the occasion of Basanta Panchami every year.
Moral values essential for happiness: PM Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said society should be elevated to better status with adherence to moral values, which ultimately makes people happy.
In a message given today on the occasion of Basanta Panchami, PM Oli stressed the need of enlightened people for establishing moral values. He claimed that the government has been steering the country towards development.
The PM extended best wishes to all on the occasion of the Basanta Panchami, which is being celebrated by worshipping Saraswoti, the symbol of knowledge, since the Vedic time.