Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel attended the traditional Basanta ShrawanK ceremony at Nasal Chowk, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square on Friday morning to mark the occasion of Basanta Panchami.
During the ceremony, the President listened to Vedic hymns and traditional melodies performed in accordance with ancient rituals. There is a long-standing tradition of the Head of State participating in the Basanta Shrawan ritual at Nasal Chowk on Magh Shukla Panchami the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magh as per the lunar calendar a practice that dates back to the Malla period.
On the occasion, the chief priest of the Hanumandhoka Management Office presented President Paudel with Abhishek, tika, garlands, and floral offerings. The President also offered prayers to Goddess Saraswati, revered as the deity of knowledge and wisdom. A contingent of the Nepali Army accorded a ceremonial salute to the President.
The ceremony was attended by First Lady Sabita Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Sunita Dangol, Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and other distinguished guests.
Basanta Panchami is traditionally observed by worshipping Goddess Saraswati. It is believed that performing the Basanta Shrawan ritual on this auspicious day brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.
-RSS
