Kathmandu, 22 October (H.S.): Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal, Mohammad Shafiqul Rahman, offered prayers at various Durga Puja pandals in Kathmandu and participated in the ceremonial aarti as part of the festive celebrations. He also visited the Manakamana Temple and Kali Temple in Gorkha.

During his temple visits, Rahman exchanged Durga Puja greetings with members of the organising committees and temple priests and engaged in conversations with them. He also gained insights into Nepal’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

The ambassador attended Durga Puja celebrations in Kathmandu, expressing his delight at experiencing Nepal’s distinctive cultural and religious traditions at close quarters. Describing his participation in the festivities as a pleasant and enlightening experience, Rahman extended his greetings and wished all Nepali citizens happiness, peace and prosperity.

Describing Durga Puja as a shared cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent, Rahman said the festival embodies the values of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, unity and mutual fraternity. He noted that the celebrations transcend differences in religious beliefs and faiths, fostering respect, compassion and empathy among communities.

Rahman further observed that the cultures and heritage of communities across the region, including Nepal and Bangladesh, have been shaped over centuries by the principles of coexistence and religious tolerance.

Expressing confidence in the enduring significance of this shared heritage, he said such cultural bonds would further strengthen friendship, harmony and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar