President Bidya Devi Bhandari offered Bhaitika to her younger brother Degendra Pandey at the auspicious hour of 11.52 am today on the occasion of the Bhaitika festival.

The Bhaitika ritual and ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace, Sheetal Niwas. Mr Degendra's other older sisters Kalpana Bhandari and Kabita Pandey also offered Bhaitika to him on the occasion.

Also, Mr Pandey on the occasion offered tika and garlands to President Bhandari, and sisters Kalpana Bhandari and Kabita Pandey.

Talking briefly to journalists after offering tika to her brother, President Bhandari wished for the happiness, peace and prosperity of all the Nepalis. "The country's prosperity comes only when all are happy and content," the President said.

She said implementing the constitution was crucial for the prosperity of the country and urged all sides to come together at the soonest to hold the local, province and national level elections since that was necessary for the constitution implementation. RSS