Kathmandu. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has extended best wishes on the occasion of Nepal Sambat 1147 (Nhudaya Bhintuna) and Mha Puja. He said that the Nepal Sambat started by national luminary Shankhadhar Sakhwa by freeing the people of the country from debt is the original time cycle and identity of Nepalis based on the moon.

“The essence of ‘Mha Puja’, which is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm in the Newar community on this day, is very deep: this tradition of worshipping oneself in the symbol mandap of Ashtachiranjivi by witnessing one’s own body and inner consciousness gives a sense of self-purification and awareness,” he wrote on his social media Facebook.

He made it clear that this unique tradition has strengthened ethnic unity by preserving mutual harmony, self-confidence and ancestral culture within the Newar community. Prime Minister Balen has called it the pride of Nepal and Nepalis.

“On this day, along with the mythological belief that Lord Krishna saved the people of Dwarka by lifting the Govardhan mountain, Govardhan Puja and Hali Tihar are celebrated by feeding flour, salt and barley to the oxen who are traveling in agriculture.

He said that the sweet blessings of Bhailo and the joyous blessings of Deusse will add mutual intimacy and harmony to the neighborhood. He believes that these unique festivals will always inspire us to forget all anger and strengthen the spirit of social unity and tolerance.