Christian groups are organizing various programmes in the capital churches and other parts of the country to mark the occasion. After Nepal became a secular country following a parliamentary declaration in 2006, the government gave Christmas the status of national festival and has been giving a public holiday on the occasion. The Nepal government has announced a national holiday to celebrate the festival. On the occasion, Christians visit church and exchange gifts with family and friends. The King of Rome Constantine started the celebration of the festival in 350 AD. Meanwhile, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has extended her heartfelt Christmas greetings to all Nepali Christians living at home and abroad, wishing them for peace, happiness, prosperity, good health, unity, brotherhood and progress.
