KATHMANDU: Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun has wished that the Haritalika Teej may increase mutual harmony, tolerance and fraternity among all Nepali women.

Delivering a message on the occasion of Teej today, he said the festival may go creative and euphoric.

Noting that the contributions of Nepali women to the nation-state building of Nepal and familiarize the country across the globe, he expressed deep respect to their contributions to propel different struggles and revolutions waged for liberation in the past.

"The rise in the incidents of heinous crimes such as rape lately is a matter of deep sorrow. The perpetrators of gender-based violence including rape should be brought to justice to reduce such incidents. This year's Teej is expected to give a message to lessen criminal incidents including violence against women", reads the message.