Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended greetings to all Nepali sisters on the occasion of Haritalika (Teej) festival. Taking to social media, the PM expressed his heartfelt wishes to everyone celebrating Teej, a significant festival for Nepali Hindu women, which he described as an embodiment of reverence, courtesy, and kindness.
According to National News Agency Nepal, PM Oli emphasized that Teej is associated with intimacy within families, joy among couples, and societal harmony, reflecting the essence of joint family culture. He noted that while Teej is often seen as a festival of songs and dance, its deeper roots lie in devotion, restraint, and self-discipline.
PM Oli highlighted the historical context of the festival, mentioning that in ancient times, both husbands and wives participated in the tradition of fasting and worshipping the Sapta Rishi. Over time, this practice has evolved, with fasting now predominantly observed by women. The PM acknowledged the emergence of new perspectives in modern society and pointed out that even scientific studies suggest fasting has benefits for the body.