Kathmandu, March 1: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has extended her best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri today. In a message of best wishes, President Bhandari extended her wishes that my Maha Shivaratri usher our society to the path of progress and may it spread the light of spiritual awakening to the lives of Nepalis.

“Lord Shiva’s connection with land of Nepal is described in various Vedic scriptures. It is a matter of pride that Nepal houses the places where Shiva was born, where Shiva strolled around and resided (Pashupath Area). Faith on Lord Shiva is reflected in many ancient cultures being practiced by various communities in our country.”

Nepal has always remained a hub for spiritual seekers all over the world who consider Pashupatinath and Kirateshwor Mahadev as another form of Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva, in Vedic tradition, is considered to be destroyer, yet, Shiva is embodiment of Shaumya and Raudra form which represent both creative and destructive forces.

The Head of the State, on the occasion, emphasized preservation and conservation of cultural and religious heritages in Pashupat Area as well as other areas of the country.
She was of the view that the universities, researchers and scholars should take the lead to research tangible and intangible heritages spread in Pashupat Area and other parts of the country.

Bhandari said that it was our responsibility to hand over the heritages we inherited from our ancestors to future generations as in its original form. She further said Maha Shivarattri, during which Lord Shiva is worshipped, encourages us to keep pious river like Bagmati in Kathmandu clean.

In a similar message, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun has expressed confidence that the festival of Mahashivaratri will enhance mutual harmony, tolerance and brotherhood among all Nepalis.

He has also expressed his best wishes to Hindus and Nepali brothers and sisters at home and abroad on the occasion.

Similarly, Vice President Pun expressed confidence that the Nepal Army would continue to modernize itself in a timely manner. On the occasion of Nepal Army Day, he has extended his congratulations and best wishes to the Chief of Army Staff and the rank and file of the Nepal Army.

Today marks the Mahashivaratri festival and Nepal Army Day. (RSS)