KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 25

Nepali Congress president and former Prime Minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, has said that there are several religious and cultural customs and traditions to be proud of in our society that is full of diversity.

He said so in a message of best wishes he extended to all the Tharu sisters on the occasion of the Jitiya festival. The NC president, on his and party's behalf, wished for the happiness, peace and prosperity to the Tharu women, stating the Jitiya festival has left a deep impression and special identity in the lifestyle of the Tharu community.

This festival is observed in the Tarai region of Nepal, especially by the women belonging to the Tharu community. In this festival women observe a fast, wishing for the health and long life of the family members.

Leader Deuba wished that may this festival foster an environment of happiness, peace and prosperity in every household and inspire one and all to preserve one's religion, culture, customs and traditions as well as to foster social harmony.