KATHMANDU, Feb 21: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed her confidence that festivals like Gyalpo Lhosar would further increase mutual goodwill, tolerance and fraternity among Nepali people and subsequently further strengthen national unity.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Gyalpo Lhosar-2079 BS today, President Bhandari wished that this festival would inspire all Nepali to be united towards building a socially, economically and culturally rich country.

"Nepal is a country rich in diversity in terms of ethnicity, language, culture and geography. I extend my best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad on the occasion of the greatest festival of the Sherpa community-Gyalpo Losar and wish for their happiness, peace and prosperity", the Head of the State said in the message.

The festival is observed as the New Year by the Sherpa community who primarily reside in the mountainous region of Nepal. The festival that falls on the Shukla Pratipada in the Nepali month of Falgun is also celebrated by Mahayan Buddhists as their New Year.

Similarly, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal extended his best wishes to all including the Sherpa community observing this festival today, expressing confidence that Gyalpo Lhosar will strengthen mutual harmony, cooperation and unity.

In a message of best wishes on the happy occasion of Gyalpo Lhosar today, Prime Minister Dahal extended his best wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to the Nepali people including the Sherpa community living at home and abroad and appealed to all to protect and promote the identity and rights of all class, caste, region, gender and communities.

Prime Minister Dahal has said that the current government is committed to protecting national freedom while strengthening internal unity. 

On the occasion, people of the Sherpa community clean up their houses and villages, source/spring of water and flutter new prayer flags on the roof of their houses. They also cook delicacies such as Guthuk and Khapse and exchange best wishes with each other to welcome the New Year.