Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun has asserted that diversity in languages, cultures and traditions in Nepal is country’s prestige and pride.

Inaugurating the Indigenous, Ethnic, Agriculture, Tourism and Trade Festival-2076 in Mahottari on Thursday, VP Pun asserted that such diversity would be found barely even in the financially powerful countries.

The festival organized by the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), District Coordination Council, Bardibas-14 in the district has 200 stalls displaying local agricultural and cultural produces reflecting various ethic communities’ cultures and traditions.

Addressing the festival, Pun said," Our Nepali heart has high regard for everyone. We hail from hills, mountains and Terai. Our languages are different. So are our customs and costumes." He went on to say that Nepalis are known for possessing attributes such as integrity, honesty, gallantry and sense of responsibility across the world.

Stating that need of the hour is economic prosperity, he observed that various cultures, traditions, languages and customs are the common treasurers of the Nepalis and all three-tier government should preserve and promote them.

"We now have stable government after holding three-tier elections. We should move ahead for sustainable development," he underscored.

On the occasion, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Girirajmani Pokharel stressed the need for vocational and technical education its link to production and employment.

Likewise, National Assembly Vice-President Shashikala Dahal, Province-2’s State-Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Suresh Kumar Mandal and NEFIN’s Central President Jagat Baral expressed their confidence that the fair would help market the local products.

The fair runs through 10 days during which famous artistes are also scheduled to perform in the side event, the organizers said.