Dipesh Darsandhari

Celebrated annually on Ashwin Sankranti, the occasion saw a large gathering of devotees at Badrakali in the capital to worship Lord Vishwakarma.

The chariot procession, halted since Monday due to curfew and political unrest, could not be completed this year. Instead, the festival ended after Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav were ritually worshipped, followed by the ceremonial toppling of the ceremonial pole (lingo) at Basantapur.

The site located in Ward No. 5 includes a pond registered under the government’s name (Plot No. 105, Area 17-0-0-0), known locally as Nhuh Pokhari, which dates back centuries. The structures were removed after a 35-day notice issued by the metropolitan city expired.

They urged immediate payment of Rs 1.6 billion in subsidies owed for sugarcane sold in 2024/25.

Carrying banners with slogans such as “Quality Education: Commitment of Private Schools,” they gathered at Maitighar Mandala to protest against the proposed federal education act, which they claim seeks to shut down private schools.

As part of the celebration, cows are paraded around the city, as cows are believed to guide departed souls on their journey. In Basantapur and Hanuman Dhoka areas, the festival drew large crowds, with families participating in the procession. 

Wearing black clothes and black masks, the demonstrators raised slogans questioning when the long-awaited general convention will take place.

To exhaust the remaining budget, the Urban Development and Building Construction Office has completely blocked the road in the Gaurighat area to carry out drainage construction. Officials say this work will take at least 15 more days to complete.

A protest was held in front of the Iranian Consulate and the Israeli Embassy in Kathmandu, organized by the Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) on Wednesday.

The Federation of Nepal Gold Silver Gem and Jewelry Associations has urged the government to review the decision to impose value-added tax (VAT) on diamonds and gems and luxury tax on gold.