KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel attended the ‘Basanta Shrawan’ ceremony at Nasal Chowk, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, Friday morning to mark the occasion of Basanta Panchami.

On the occasion, the President listened to the hymns and the melody played as per the Vedic rituals.

There is a tradition of the Head of State attending this ritual at the Nasal Chowk of Hanumandhoka on the day of Magh Shukla Panchami (the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magh according to the lunar calendar).This tradition has started since the Malla period.

On the occasion, the chief priest of Hanumandhoka Management Office presented President Paudel with Abhishek, tika, garland, and flower offerings. President Paudel worshiped Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge.

A contingent of the Nepali Army presented a ceremonial salute to the President on the occasion.

The ceremony was attended by First Lady Sabita Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, Sunita Dangol, Acting mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and other distinguished guests.

On the occasion of Basanta Panchami, it is customary to worship Goddess Saraswati, and it is believed that performing Basanta Shrawan on this occasion brings happiness, peace, and prosperity.