Kathmandu, January 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has wished for good health, peace, progress and prosperity to all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad on the occasion of Tharu community’s festival Maghi and Makar Sankranti. Nepal is a country characterized by improved unity amidst multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural diversities and the government has been protecting these priceless properties, PM Oli said, stressing the need to capitalize the improved unity and tolerance for country’s development. The festival is celebrated in different parts of the country on the first day of Magh (January 15) when the sun enters into its northward journey from southward. In the message delivered on the occasion, he further noted, “The indigenous festivals celebrated in our country are not only associated to ancient cultures but also to natural science. These festivals have strengthened our mutual harmony, tolerance and improved unity”. Especially, chaku, khichadi, ghee and yams are served and consumed during the festival of Maghe Sangkranti. The festival is also spectacular from health perspective as people consume nutrient foods to keep the body warm and take holy dips in the rivers. The indigenous Tharu community celebrates the Maghi as their greatest cultural festival. —