Kathmandu, Feb 21 : President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed her confidence that festival like Gyalpo Lhosar would further increase mutual goodwill, tolerance and fraternity among Nepali people and subsequently further strengthening national unity. In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Gyalpo Lhosar-2079 BS today, President Bhandari has wished that may this festival inspire all Nepali to be united towards building a socially, economically and culturally rich country. “Nepal is a country rich in diversity in terms of ethnicity, language, culture and geography.

I extend my best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad on the occasion of the greatest festival of the Sherpa community-Gyalpo Losar and wish for their happiness, peace and prosperity”, the Head of the State said in the message. The festival is observed as the New Year by the Sherpa community who primarily reside in the mountainous region of Nepal. The festival that falls on the Shukla Pratipada in the Nepali month of Falgun is also celebrated by Mahayan Buddhists as their New Year. On the occasion, people of the Sherpa community clean up their houses and villages, sources/spring of water and flutter new prayers flag in the roof of their houses. Furthermore, they cook delicacies such as Guthuk and Khapse and exchange best wishes with each other to welcome the New Year.