In a heartfelt message on the occasion of the Jitiya festival, President Ramchandra Paudel highlighted the vital role indigenous festivals play in fostering mutual respect, goodwill, and tolerance among the diverse communities of Nepal. He urged all citizens to unite in preserving the unique cultural heritage that defines the nation.
The President stressed the importance of continuing the celebration of such festivals to create an ideal social and cultural environment, promoting a virtuous lifestyle among the populace. Jitiya festival, celebrated predominantly by married women of the Tharu and Madhesi communities in the Mithila region, is dedicated to worshipping deities for the longevity, good health, and prosperity of their children and families.
This year’s Jitiya festival is observed on the eighth day of the waning moon (Krishna Pakshya) in the Nepali month of Ashwin, according to the lunar calendar. Devotees partake in a traditional feast known as ‘Ogatan’ the night before the fast, which prohibits even water consumption. Before beginning their fast, women devotees take a holy bath in local rivers, ponds, or lakes, symbolizing purification and devotion.
Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav also shared his insights, noting that festivals like Jitiya connect traditional values and norms with contemporary life. He emphasized their significance in strengthening family ties and enhancing social structures and unity within communities.
As the country celebrates this important cultural event, the messages from both the President and Vice President resonate with a call to honor and sustain Nepal’s rich and diverse heritage.
