KATHMANDU, Oct. 16 -- The ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) is hosting a ritual tea reception on Wednesday, giving continuity to the past tradition of hosting the function on the occasion of Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat, Chhat and Bakar Eid festivals.

The then CPN-UML, which formally merged with the former Maoists to form NCP, started hosting such tea receptions since 1994. The then UML leader Manmohan Adhikari had started organizing tea receptions to promote inter-party harmony.

The NCP, which was formed merging two parties into one in June last year, has continued the past tradition organizing the tea reception this year as well to exchange greetings.

Leaders of all political parties, ministers, officials of constitutional bodies, civ...