Nepal’s top leaders have called for national unity and social harmony in their Dashain messages, while stressing that financial hardship should not make the festival a burden.

President Ramchandra Paudel said Dashain strengthens family ties, social cohesion and goodwill in a country marked by ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. He also expressed condolences to families affected by recent floods and urged collective efforts to help those displaced.

Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav described Dashain as a celebration of the triumph of truth, justice and integrity over evil, calling for greater tolerance, mutual respect and national unity.

In a message posted on social media on Saturday, Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the government was committed to improving livelihoods and promoting good governance.

“Economic prosperity for every citizen adds to the joy of festivals. We are conscious that a festival as important as Dashain should not become a burden for anyone because of financial hardship,” he said.

Shah also offered condolences to families affected by floods and landslides in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Gorkha and elsewhere, saying the government was working to resettle those displaced.

He also highlighted the plight of Nepalis working abroad who cannot afford to return home for Dashain, saying hundreds of thousands remain separated from their families by economic necessity. He called for collective efforts to change that.

Shah wished people the strength to overcome greed, jealousy and arrogance, describing Dashain as a symbol of truth’s victory over falsehood and good over evil.