Kathmandu, October 11:

Civilians who received tika from President Dr Ram Baran Yadav on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami-2065 on Thursday said that they were happy to receive tika from the first President of the country.

Talking to this daily, they also shared that the ceremony of receiving tika was also different from the past years.

“I was disappointed as I couldn’t go to my home in Chitwan to celebrate Dashain. But I am very happy that I got the opportunity to receive tika from President Dr Yadav,” Shanti Poudel said.

Jagannath Lamichhane from Syangja also said he was very happy to receive tika from the first President of Nepal. After receiving tika from the President, Lamichhane also encouraged his friends and relatives to receive tika from the President. President Dr Yadav had offered tika to the civilians at his residence in Dhapasi from 12 noon to 4 pm on the day of Vijaya Dashami.

Speaking to journalists briefly after offering tika, Dr Yadav said he was happy to offer tika to interested people as the head of the state. “As the head of state, it’s my duty to maintain harmony in the country by respecting all religions and cultures,” he said.

Vice-president Paramananda Jha, Deputy Prime Minister Bamdev Gautam, CJ Kedar Prasad Giri, civil servants, security officials, children and physically challenged people also received tika on the occasion. People from the Madhesi community were seen in large number to receive tika from the President.

When president Dr Yadav was offering tika at his residence in Dhapasi, a large number of people were waiting for their turn to receive tika from former king Gyanendra Shah at Nirmal Niwas. Though the former king was scheduled to offer tika to interested people from 4 pm, people were seen waiting for their turn from as early as 3 pm.

Former ministers during the ex-king’s rule, former officials of security forces and other people received tika from the former king and queen on the occasion. After receiving tika from the ex-king, former minister Kamal Thapa said, “Though the country has been declared a republic, the cultural aspect of the monarch cannot be forgotten.”