Different eight sports events are taking place along the inauguration of the National Games today.
Finance Minister Janardan Sharma has urged the World Bank to place Nepal on priority in its several initiatives such as conservation of mountainous region, economic revival of rural area and green corridor along river banks.
Fire has caught the United Beverage Pvt Ltd based in Eastern Chitwan.
“We had visitors from the Bishnumati Riverside area in the afternoon. A road was going through their area. A three-day eviction notice had been issued to the landless settlers.” Lajana Manadhar, founder of Lumanti Support Group for Shelter, remembers those fateful days 17 years ago.
The Maldhunga-Beni road which connects Myagdi and Mustang with the national highway has come into re-operation after four days.
The night skies of this month would allure avid sky-gazers with the charisma of giant gaseous planets Jupiter and Saturn along with enigmatic enchantments of many other planets, stars and celestial entities.
Persijs MuznieksIt is safe to say that this year's wave of the new tourist season has taken over almost all of Nepal. It is good to hear that many popular hotels are already full of tourists, and due to the high influx, other accommodations have to be recommended. As the guests say, the instinct to travel has taken over. After two years of being at home, no travel restrictions or prices have been able to stop them from choosing the desired destinations. The national composition of travelers is quite diverse, most of them are from the USA, Canada and Arab countries, less from Europe. Interstate political and economic situations have created obstacles to what was planned, and under its influence have forced people to focus more on survival. However, recently, even small, positive trends can be seen, oriented towards the growth of tourism, specifically to Nepal. Why this particular country? As the travelers themselves say, - it is full of peace and here, no one spoils your mood with world events, which for us Westerners is a daily topic. More conversations are about culture and hospitality. Yes, and your beautiful nature in the mountains, waterfalls, hospitable mountaineers and clean air (which cannot be said about the capital city) gives great refreshment to forget every day worries.In the evening hours, Thamel turns into a real discussion center where many languages meet, creating a friendly atmosphere for exchanging what has been seen and experienced. Popular travel destinations such as Pokhara, where a wide range of water, land and air activities are concentrated, as well as Everest Base Camp and other types of trekking, are usually discussed. Tourists still have a fear syndrome in their memory, so the choice is given to travel in small groups or in a family circle. Less visible are the individuals, who take great risks when hiking alone in the mountains. It indicates self-organisation and a sense of responsibility.In order to create not only an emotional judgment but also a practical vision for the article, I decided to take part in a three-day trek in the Machhapuchhre mountains, which lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area (AcAP).I'm trained in mountain hikes and they don't surprise me, except for the unrepeatable mountain landscapes. I was more interested in meeting the travelers and asking them about the emotional and practical part of the trek, that refers to equipment, accommodation, catering and amenities. Down the hill I encountered a group of foreigners. Seeing the white man, the group of six people from the USA very reluctantly started talking. When I introduced myself as a journalist to prepare materials for a local publication, the conversation instantly turned into a friendly atmosphere.They were genuine, and emotionally saturated, as presented:Gary Ricker, WA, USATreking in Nepal has been my dream for many years. This exceeded my expectations by far. The beauty of the mountains and the people were most amazing. Marco, Seatle Washington USAAmazing experience. Andrea D., Seatle WAThis trip to Nepal is fascinating. From the city of Kathmandu to Pokhara and high in the sky near Mardi Himal Base Camp, Nepal does not disapoint this adventure traveler. D. Sorensen TukWila, WAAn absolutely amazing trip and exceeded all my expectations. A magical experience of trekking, meeting wonderfull local people and enjoying the fantasting food. Thank you!Jackie Wodman, AlaskaNepal has exceeded all my expectation I had. Spectacular views of majestic mountains was accompanied with the warm friendliness of the people of Nepal.Rebeka Delsney, WashingtonOur trip to Nepal has been absolutely amazing. The people are so incredibly friedly. The culture is fascinating, the natural beauty is astounding. It has been so reasonable to visit and be completely taken care of from start to finish. This is an amazing place to visit.As a sign of a successful journey, the entire group with their companions climbed onto a stone platform and stood proudly next to the flag of Nepal. Afterwards, everyone gathered in the hotel’s Stone Gallery restaurant. Preferring home-brewed beer, the conversations continued late into the night. Indeed, there was something to remember. About the difficult several-hour climb up the mountain, the people they met on the way, who invited us to stop for a moment and have a meal. And there was the donkey caravan loaded with heavy loads, whose daily job is to deliver food to the hotels in the mountains. Even an advanced climber could not keep up with the pace of the donkeys. The caravan companion chooses the shortest route, which is beyond the power of an inexperienced traveler.Our friends from the USA were lucky with the weather. Reaching the last camp, a dazzling view of snow-capped mountain peaks opened up all around. ‘It was unforgettable’, this is how the whole group expressed themselves in one word. Although most of the group members were middle-aged, the fresh mountain air and spring water made them forget about their age. This was noticeable when a local musician started drumming, calling everyone for active dancing. All difficulties were forgotten, even the slightly sprained ankles did not prevent anyone from joining the rhythm of the dance. Most city dwellers get such injuries while in the mountains. The city streets are smooth and the muscles of the feet are not strained well. In the mountains, with extreme road terrain, there is a chance to slip at any moment. So it is recommended to use special shoes for this purpose. If an injury does occur, the first and most effective aid is a massage, which the group's companions also did to a woman. The Stone Gallery Hotel lives up to its name in the truest sense. The exterior facade of the house covered with decorative bricks, supplemented with Newar-style windows and doors, give a massive but cozy impression. At the same time, there was warmth indoors, which is so necessary in cool mountain nights. Small but well-maintained rooms and warm water ensure a restful night's sleep. With the first rays of the sun, the final photos are taken and a few lines of memories are scribbled in the notebooks of each guest. The last morning meal and exchanging promises to come soon, we say goodbye to our lovely guests from the USA.Just behind a small mountain range, the next group of tourists is already visible, a family from Tel Aviv who decided to spend the night at the Stone Gallery hotel. What makes this hotel service so attractive? Perhaps a chef, whose cooking skills satisfy any gourmet, without leaving children behind. Maybe it's a simple answer, - the hospitality of the mountain people. Best of all, we recommend you enjoy it yourself.(Persijs, a press photographer from Finland, is studying culture and costumes of Nepal.)
The recent United States Supreme Court (USSC) decision to overturn Roe v. Wade (1973) has removed the constitutional protection afforded to the right to access abortion. This has once again re-ignited the following debate: ‘pro-choice’ v. ‘pro-life.’
Ram Dayal RakeshKojagrat Purnima is celebrated as the final day of the Dashain festival. It is an integral part Bada Dashain, the biggest festival of Nepalis, which falls on the autumn season. This full moon day bears important religious and social values. During the night of Kojagrat Purnima, Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, visits a house where people are awake whole night in her prayers and worships. She wishes that her devotees would utter the words: Kon jagal hai or ko jaga chha meaning who is awake on that night. Most Hindu devotees in Nepal and India observe Kojagrat Purnima with devotion and enthusiasm. It is also known as Sharad Purnima as it happens in Sharad or autumn season. The hunter moon is supposed to shine in the milky sky. It is also called Kumar Purnima in some parts of India and Sri Lanka. As this is a harvest season, farmers worship Goddess Laxmi on Sharad Purnima for good harvest. It is one of the most auspicious days in Hindu calendar. It is also one of the thirteen Purnima or auspicious full moon night in a year which most Hindus in Nepal and India celebrate enthusiastically. Every year Hindus observe this as part of the final or the 15th day of Bada Dashain by worshipping and paying homage to Maha Laxmi. Bada Dashain formally ends on the Kojagrat Purnima. The devotees keep vigil the whole night, expecting that Goddess Laxmi visit their homes. There is a belief that Maha Laxmi takes a trip around the world to check as to who is observing the devotional vigil on this particular night. The Goddess of wealth blesses those who stay awake throughout the night. Sharad Purnima is celebrated around the country in several ways. People in the eastern part of the country worship Goddess Laxmi whereas in some other parts they observe this as a mere religious event. On this occasion unmarried girls worship and observe fasting to please Lord Shiva and pray for getting worthy husband of their choice. They observe the milky moon to get solace and peace in their minds because the moon of Sharad Purnima is very soothing and enchanting to look at.It is believed that Goddess Laxmi orbits around the earth. One thing that is of utmost importance in this festival is the cleanliness. According to Hindu mythology, on this day the moon rises with 16 kalas (arts) that defines human personality and it is believed that worshipping Maha Laxmi on this auspicious day fulfills their long cherished desires. It brings happiness, good health, wealth and prosperity to the family. Attractive Alpnas are drawn around the house and place of worship, sparkling lights and delicious sweets happen to be an inseparable part of this festival. Apart from that, it is believed that waking up at Brahma Muhurta and taking a bath to prepare for the puja can be the best way to begin the day of Kojagrat Laxmi puja.Laxmi Puja is usually performed in the evening and preparations of sweet delicacies like payash (rice pudding), coconut laddu and other dishes are offered as a Naivedya to the goddess and her carrier owl. Decorating the place of worship and lighting up every nook and corner of the house is believed to bring happiness and prosperity. Betel leaves (paan), betel nuts and dhan-dubo (paddy plant and grass) are some of the essential things needed for Kojagrat Lakshmi Puja. It is believed that these ingredients are not available even in the heaven.Worshipping Goddess Laxmi throughout the night brings good health, wealth and prosperity. Rice pudding forms Kojagarat Puja Prasad (blessed food). It is believed that kheer (ride pudding) made with rice, sugar ghee and milk is served to the deity as it brings harmony in the relationships and prosperity in the family. To make sweet rice kheer, wash and soak one cupful of basmati rice for three hours. Next, you take a saucepan and add one and a half litre of milk and keep stirring it. In the mean time, wash the soaked rice and add in 3 tablespoon of ghee and mix it nicely and keep aside.In the mixed milk and rice, add one teaspoon of cardamom powder and three saffron strands and keep stirring the kheer over medium flame. After 10 minutes, add one cup of sugar and turn the flame low. Keep stirring till the kheer is ready and add nuts to accentuate the taste. This cuisine is the specialty of this autumn festival which is rare in other parts of the world. Newly married couples play games to entertain themselves and make this day memorable in their entire life.(The author is an expert on culture.)
The 9th National Games is to be inaugurated amidst a special ceremony in tourism city, Pokhara, on Friday.
Newly-appointed Ambassador of the United States (US) to Nepal, Dean Thompson arrived in Nepal on Thursday.
At the session, the Central Committee heard and discussed the report on the work of the Political Bureau, presented by Xi Jinping, who was entrusted by the Political Bureau.
The 11 teams comprise of 7 teams from province (one team each from seven provinces), and four departmental teams- Tribhuvan Army club team, Nepal Police Club team, Armed Police Force Club team and Non-Resident Nepali club team will via for the medals.
APF has so far won two gold medals in fencing. Bagmati clinched silver medal while Gandaki province and Army won bronze medals in fencing.
The ruling parties' meeting held on Thursday took the decisions to form election mobilization coordination committee and conduct of joint meeting of cadres in each province.