KATHMANDU, Oct 17: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the government is committed to ending the situation that forces Nepali citizens to leave the country in search of jobs abroad by creating employment opportunities and promoting prosperity within the country. He said this in his message of best wishes today on the occasion of the Bijaya Dashami festival.
According to the prime minister, Bada Dashain has been established among citizens as a festival of family reunions, promoting unity, mutual bonds, family interactions and stronger ties.
Describing Bada Dashain as a festival carrying wider religious, social and cultural importance, the prime minister said it has contributed to uniting Nepali citizens residing in various parts of the country.
The tradition of receiving 'tika' and 'jamara' during Dashain reflects the Nepali cultural ethos of showing respect for elders and love and affection for younger people. The atmosphere of Bada Dashain is unique. "The sky itself feels different, the earth carries a unique fragrance, and the surroundings become naturally filled with joy and exuberance,” he said.
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On the occasion of this auspicious festival, Prime Minister Shah extended his warmest wishes to everyone. He expressed the hope that Bada Dashain, a festival that unites the Nepali community scattered across the world, would bring celebration and joy to every home.
Prime Minister Shah recalled that, despite facing numerous challenges and difficult circumstances, the Nepali people have continued to embrace the festival celebrations while preserving their religious, cultural and social values, as well as their unique traditions.
"Dashain has been celebrated even during difficult times in the country, whether in the aftermath of the earthquake or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the festival came shortly after the 'Gen Z' movement and the subsequent period of heightened tension; yet, we continued to celebrate it in accordance with our customs and traditions," the prime minister said.
This year too, Dashain arrives while grief over the loss of lives and damage caused by the devastating floods that struck the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli river system remains fresh, the prime minister said, praying for eternal peace for those who lost their lives and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. He also extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
In a post on social media, the head of the government said the government was urgently working to rehabilitate those displaced by the disaster.
The prime minister added that the government was aware that Dashain celebrations should not impose an economic burden on anyone and was working tirelessly to take the country toward good governance while taking appropriate measures to foster economic prosperity.
Dashain is also celebrated as a symbol of the victory of truth over evil, he said, expressing his hope that the festival would inspire all Nepalis to follow the path of truth, overcome negative thoughts and conquer the evil within themselves.
"On a spiritual level, each of us may recognize the 'Mahishasura' and 'Ravana' within ourselves and strive to overcome them. I also wish that we may conquer lust, anger, greed, envy and ego, which are the root causes of human suffering," he said.