Kathmandu: Atheist Maoists today took the lead in holding a grand reception to celebrate Deepawali, with Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda hosting a tea party at his residence in the capital.

Prachanda exchanged Deepawali greetings with leaders of various political parties and other distinguished guests at his residence in Baluwatar, including lawmakers, government officials, security officials, diplomats, businessmen, journalists, human rights activists as well as students.

Minister for Commerce and Industries Rajendra Mahato, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Janardan Sharma, Minister for Information and Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Tourism Minister Hisila Yami, Nepali Congress vice-president Ramchandra Poudyal, CPN-UML senior leader Amrit Bohara were among the distinguished people who were present on the occasion.

Similar tea reception was held by major parties including Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to mark Vijaya Dashami.
Source : PTI