DHANGADHI: President Bidya Devi Bhandari said religious tolerance among people should promote peace and unity in the nation.

Inaugurating the Godavari Amrit Mahasnan Divya Sahashra Kumbha Darshan Mela, a religious festival, in Godavari of Kailali today, Bhandari said religious tolerance should be promoted among people.

Meanwhile, the Head of the State said the Far-Western Development Region is rich in religious, cultural and natural aspects; and they can result in prosperity and overall development of the region.

"It is our duty to develop and promote cultures and traditions here in order to develop tourism."

Speaking at the same function, Deputy Prime Minister and CPN-UML Vice-Chairman Bhim Bahadur Rawal said new Constitution protected religions and traditions practiced in the nation since ages ago.

He was also of the view that cultural resources of the region could be used to reduce poverty and unemployment here.

President Bhandari, who had reached an army barrack in Teghari on a helicopter, had received a warm welcome from locals.