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Key Points

Nepal's Ambassador to India, Shankar Prasad Sharma, emphasized Hariyali Teej as a shared cultural bond between the two nations. He linked the festival to the Himalayan belief in Shiva-Parvati’s presence, reinforcing spiritual ties. Sharma also discussed ongoing preparations for Nepal PM Oli’s India visit, highlighting mutual agreements. The open border policy was cited as proof of deep economic and people-to-people connections.

Key Points: Nepal Envoy Links Hariyali Teej to Shared India-Nepal Culture

  • Hariyali Teej symbolizes Shiva-Parvati reunion in Hindu tradition
  • Nepal envoy cites Himalayan belief in divine presence
  • Open border reflects strong India-Nepal ties
  • Bilateral agreements under discussion for PM Oli’s India visit
3 min read

Hariyali Teej is the common culture between India and Nepal, says Nepal's envoy to India

Nepal's Ambassador highlights Hariyali Teej as a cultural bridge between India and Nepal, emphasizing devotion to Shiva-Parvati and open-border ties.

"We are connected through culture, and Teej is one of them – Shankar Prasad Sharma"

New Delhi, July 20

Shankar Prasad Sharma, Nepali Ambassador to India, while talking about the Haryali Teej celebrations that connect the two countries, said that the celebrations underscore the deep cultural connection.

Sharma, while speaking to ANI, said that it is an ancient belief that Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati, reside in the Himalayas. Therefore, the people in Nepal believe in the Godly presence in their country.

"I think this basically is the common culture between India and Nepal. We also think that Mahadev lives in the Himalaya, and they have a long range of the Himalaya, so we think that Mahadev and Parvati also live in Nepal. So that's also the reason why I think this is the devotion for Mahadev and Parvati. All the people in Nepal I think especially the women who were married or not they celebrate Hartalika Teej in Nepal. So that's the region I think we are connected through the culture and Teej is one of them basically," he said.

Hariyali Teej is celebrated on Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the month of Shravan. The festival of Hariyali Teej holds significance in Hinduism because on this day, Lord Shiva accepted Mother Parvati as his wife after she underwent rigorous penance. This festival is also celebrated as the reunion of Shiva and Shakti. On this day, married women fast for the long life of their husbands.

When asked about Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli's potential visit to India, he said that they are working on a date for both leaders.

"We are working on it. I think he will come to India very soon. We have a number of agreements in different areas, whether we talk about digital infrastructure or physical infrastructure, so there are many things, and We are preparing those agreements and MoUs. Once they are finalised, the Prime Minister's visit will happen. We are two friends, we cannot be apart, and then we need each other in the end to come on a long-term basis," he said.

Sharma said that the open border policy shows the good relations between the two nations.

"I think when you see the open border between the two countries, I think that what is basically the people to people relation. Anyone from India can go to Nepal, and anyone from Nepal can come to India without a visa or passport. That shows our relationship is not only cultural, but also economic in nature. We are interdependent. So, the region came to a people-to-people relationship that is strong and more sustainable," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the cultural connection, I wish the article had more details about how common people celebrate Teej in both countries. The rituals differ slightly between regions!
A
Aman W
The open border policy is truly unique in the world. My Nepali friends and I visit each other's countries like neighbors visiting across the street. More power to India-Nepal relations!
S
Shreya B
As a newly married woman, I fasted for Teej this year. My mother-in-law (from Nepal) and my own mother (from Bihar) had similar traditions. This festival really binds us women together 💚
V
Vikram M
The economic cooperation mentioned is crucial. Many Indian businesses operate in Nepal and vice versa. Our shared culture makes business dealings smoother too. Jai Mahadev! 🙌
K
Kavya N
While celebrating our commonalities, we must also respect Nepal's distinct identity. Not everything needs to be seen through an "India connection" lens. Cultural diplomacy should be two-way.
N
Nikhil C
The Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu and Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi - both Shiva temples that see devotees from both countries. Our spiritual geography is truly interconnected!

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