Kathmandu, October 17:

The first Pashupati Festival-2065, organised with a view to promoting Pashupatinath as a centre of religious tourism, began here today.

Inaugurating the three-day event, President Dr Ram Baran Yadav said all Nepalis would benefit if art, culture and religion were promoted. “No matter where we stay — the Tarai, Hills or Mountains— we are the children of this land.”

He said, “Religious tourism would help strengthen brotherhood among the people. Therefore,

everyone should contribute from their sides to make the event successful and promote brotherhood among all humans.”

Swami Satpal Ji Maharaj from India said human minds were to be changed to change the epoch and only spiritual power could make change in human minds. “We should lit the spiritual light within every Nepali so as to end violence forever,” he said.

He added that the Vedas, the Gita, the Gayatri mantras and the Himalayas had unified the people of Nepal and India. “The souls of all Nepalis and Indians are same,” he said, adding, “If we can incorporate the spiritual power, there will be unity among people and harmony among human beings would be strengthened.”

He hoped that the power of each individual’s soul would create a great Nepal and the cordial relationship between Nepal and India would be strengthened forever.

Ramhari Dhungana of the Pashupati Bhandar Tahabil Office said thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and neighbouring countries attended the festival on the first day. He said, “The presence of people on the first day is really exciting.” He, however, regretted the lack of proper management, because of which some expected guests could not be invited for the festival.

Minister for Culture Gopal Kirati, former energy minister of Uttaranchal Amrita Rao, Swami Bibhuji, Member of Sikkim Legislative Assembly Girish Chanda Rai and many other personalities from Nepal and India were present at the inaugural function. Several stalls displaying various religious items are on display in the festival area.

The festival is jointly organised by Pashupati Area Development Trust and Nepal Manav Dharma Sewa Samiti.