KATHMANDU — Prime Minister Walendra Shah has said that Dashain will provide an opportunity to unite people of all classes, communities and regions in a society with geographical, cultural and linguistic diversity.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Bijaya Dashami today, he said the festival would provide an opportunity to share intimacy with friends and relatives who have been separated for many years.

On this auspicious occasion, the Prime Minister extended best wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity and continued progress to all at home and abroad.

The message reads, “We all need to unite to eradicate corruption, misgovernance, delay, inequality and political woes that are demonic tendencies in this day and to make every citizen feel that the government is for us. Only honest efforts, determination and collective hard work will help us to remove such distortions. For change, it is necessary to change the behavior along with thinking. ”

Vijayadashami is a day to celebrate the victory of truth over falsehood. According to mythological beliefs, on this day, Durga Bhavani is believed to have won over demonic forces like Mahishasura. Also, this day is also considered as the day when Lord Rama ended Ravana, the symbol of falsehood.

“While celebrating Bijaya Dashami, there is a tradition of receiving tika, jamara and blessings from the elders as the blessings of Durga Bhawani. The elders wish that we also get victory in every good deed, just as Durga Bhavani has achieved victory. We also reach out to the elders who are far away to receive blessings,” he said.

PM Shah said the Bijaya Dashami festival inspires all to shun the negative thoughts like ego, greed, jealousy, violence and discrimination prevalent among them.