Phulpati Dashain Messages: Nepal PM and President urge unity; Shah recalls Bhotekoshi floods

Nepal Prime minister Balendra Shah and president Ramchandra Paudel on Saturday conveyed their greetings to the people on Bada Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, the country's biggest festival, highlighting its importance in fostering family ties, social harmony and national unity. Their messages were issued on Phulpati, the seventh day of the 15-day Dashain festival. The occasion signals the start of the main festive period, when government offices close and celebrations gather momentum across Nepal.

In his message, Prime Minister Shah said his government was committed to generating employment opportunities and promoting prosperity within the country so that Nepalis would not be compelled to travel abroad in search of work, according to the news agency PTI. Describing Bada Dashain as a festival that brings families together, Shah said it strengthens relationships, encourages unity and fosters closer bonds among people. He noted that the festival's religious, cultural and social significance had also helped connect Nepalis living across different parts of the world. “The sky itself feels different, the earth carries a unique fragrance, and the surroundings become naturally filled with joy and exuberance,” he said, describing the festive atmosphere. Shah observed that Nepalis had continued to celebrate Dashain and preserve their religious, cultural and social traditions despite numerous challenges over the years.

Referring to the recent devastating flash floods in Bhotekoshi, Shah said this year's festivities had arrived while the country was still mourning the loss of lives and damage caused by the disaster. The floods left 1,455 people dead, 5,285 missing and more than 13,000 rescued, according to the figures cited in his message. The prime minister offered prayers for those who lost their lives, wished the injured a speedy recovery and expressed condolences to the affected families. He added that the government was working urgently to rehabilitate people displaced by the disaster. Shah also highlighted the traditional exchange of tika and jamara during Dashain. Tika, a mixture of vermilion powder, curd and rice, and jamara, consisting of barley shoots, are received from elders as symbols of respect for senior family members and affection for younger relatives. Nepalis traditionally receive tika and jamara from elders on Dashami, the festival's tenth day, which falls on October 21 this year.

In a separate message, president Ramchandra Paudel extended his wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity, good health and continued progress to Nepalis living both within the country and abroad. Paudel said that while Nepal's diverse ethnic and religious communities follow their own customs and traditions, Bada Dashain plays a significant role in bringing families together and promoting social harmony, forgiveness, goodwill and fraternity. He added that the festival helps strengthen unity across Nepal's geographical, cultural and linguistic diversity while safeguarding the country's cultural identity.