We Must Unite: Nepal PM Balen Shah Urges People To Fight Corruption

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday urged citizens to unite against corruption, poor governance, bureaucratic delays, inequality and political disorder, stressing that meaningful change requires collective efforts and a shift in both thinking and behaviour.

In his message on Bada Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival, Shah called for building a country where every citizen feels that the government exists to serve them. He urged people to draw inspiration from Vijaya Dashami, which symbolises the victory of good over evil, to address the challenges facing the country.

“We must unite to eliminate these ills and ensure that every citizen feels that the government is there for them,” Shah said, emphasising that honest efforts, determination and collective hard work were necessary to overcome these problems.

He added that bringing about change required people to transform not only their thinking but also their behaviour. Shah also called on citizens to reject violence and discrimination, underlining the importance of goodwill, mutual respect and collective action in addressing Nepal’s challenges.

The prime minister said Dashain plays an important role in strengthening national unity and social harmony by bringing together people from different communities, regions and walks of life. Nepal’s geographical, cultural and linguistic diversity makes such occasions particularly significant, he said.

The festival also offers an opportunity for people to reconnect with friends and relatives after years of separation and renew bonds of affection. Shah extended his wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to Nepalis living in the country and abroad.

Meanwhile, Nepal celebrated the tenth day of Bada Dashain on Wednesday, with families gathering to receive blessings from elders. The occasion is marked by the application of tika, a mixture of vermilion powder, curd and rice, and the distribution of jamara, or barley shoots.

The red tika symbolises good luck and victory, while jamara represents prosperity. Both are considered auspicious tokens of blessings from Goddess Navadurga.

The nine-day worship of Sri Durga Bhawani, conducted at Dasainghar in Kathmandu’s Hanumandhoka Old Palace and in Hindu households across Nepal, formally concludes on Vijaya Dashami with prescribed rituals.