Kathmandu, Jan. 15 : The cultural programme staged by the Cultural Subcommittee constituted under the Citizens Main Celebration Management Committee to mark the 56th Auspicious Birthday of His Majesty the King was jointly inaugurated here today by Raj Parishad Standing Committee Chairman Dr. Keshar Jung Rayamajhi and Minister of State for Health Tirtha Ram Dangol.

Sixteen songs and dances were presented depicting national culture, costumes and customs and also those of the nationalities and indigenous people.

On the occasion, Chairman Rayamajhi pointed out the need for one and all to always strive to consolidate communal harmony to get rid of poverty and backwardness and for the peaceful development of the country.

Minister of State Dangol said that attempts were being made to create communal distrust and take the country towards disintegration.

Former prime minister and chairman of the Main Celebration Committee Kirti Nidhi Bishta said that His Majesty King Birendra was the symbol of unity of the entire Nepalese and that His Majesty was always concerned how to raise the living standard of all the people and how to make them prosperous.

On the occasion, Main Committee general secretary and Rajparishad Standing Committee member Ratna Kamal Baidya and subcomittee convenor Beti Bajracharya wished long life and good health to His Majesty the King.