KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 30

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended heartfelt wishes to all Nepali citizens at home and abroad on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar, the major cultural festival of the Gurung community.

In a message shared on social media, he expressed, "We are immensely rich in culture. Best wishes to all on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar."

The festival reminds of a scene in which Gurung women wear traditional ornaments in their heads, a Makhamali or velvet blouse, Ghalek (a traditional shawl), Patuki (a traditional belly-binding cloth), and a saree. Gurung men dress in cultural attire such as the Bhoto (a sleeveless vest), Bhangra (a white shirt-like garment), and Kachhad (a type of kilt), and performing vibrant cultural dances, the Prime Minister said.

The festival is celebrated on the 15th of the Nepali month Push (December-January) and the night today is the longest of the year and then, the duration of the night is believed to gradually shorten.

In observance of the festival, the government has announced a public holiday.