Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey has highlighted the need to celebrate the Teej festival in a manner that helps preserve its cultural importance. In his message on the occasion of the Haritalika Teej, a major festival for Nepali women, Chief Minister Pandey stressed the importance of moving away from the increasing extravagance and high expenses often associated with festivals today, urging a focus on the religious and cultural significance of the event.
“Teej should be celebrated in a way that binds society in emotional unity, maintains religious tolerance, fosters social harmony, and sustains religious and cultural traditions,” stated the Chief Minister’s message. He also appealed on behalf of the provincial government for people to celebrate Teej with these values in mind.
Chief Minister Pandey noted that Haritalika Teej has long been observed by Nepali women as a traditional cultural festival. He explained that women worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during this festival, fasting with prayers for the happiness, health, and longevity of their families, a practice believed to fulfill their wishes.
The Chief Minister expressed his hope that the Haritalika Teej festival will inspire everyone to work towards ending discrimination and inequality in society, ultimately contributing to the creation of an equitable and just society.
