By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Oct. 23: Dashain, the biggest festival celebrated across Nepal, used to bring numerous festive offers by business enterprises, great cheers and a big opportunity for long holidays, among others, for the people of every walk of life.
Not this time around.
There is no excitement in the air, thanks to the ever-rising COVID-19 cases throughout the country. In all likelihood, this is the first time people are marking their festival with subdued fervour and gaiety. Celebrations such as kite flying competitions, cultural programmes, playing on the swing and religious fairs are not going to happen as normal intensities, if at all. People working in the cities used to return to their villages to observe Dashain alongside family members.
Political leaders from across the spectrum used to visit their constituencies to renew their relations with their voters; traders used to make good amount of money selling a variety of goods. But this year, it is all different.
Many people staying in cities could not travel to their homes.
Politicians have also remained stuck in Kathmandu. No social and cultural programmes are being organised to exchange festive greetings this year. Swings, which used to be ubiquitous during this time, aren’t seen erected this time.
Nepal Communist Party leader Surendra Pandey said that he would stay home in Kathmandu during Dashain.
"The risk of COVID-19 is increasing by the day, which is why I have decided to be with my family in Kathmandu," he said. He used to visit Chitwan for Dashain celebrations.
Former defense minister Bhim Rawal’s plan is no different. He, too, will stay in Kathmandu. "I will not put Tika and Jamara on my forehead like last year because I lost my aunt a few days ago," said Rawal. He used to celebrate Dashain with his family members, relatives and voters in his home-district of Aacham. “Many programmes of Dashain greetings would be held in previous years; our party used to organise a host of programmes, but nothing like that is happening this time because of the ongoing global health crisis," he added.
He lamented for not being able to visit his home-town and renew the relations with the voters this Dashain.
Pampha Bhusal, another leader from NCP, said that she would receive Tika and Jamara from her mother at her house in Lalitpur. "I will not take part in religious offerings but will receive Tika, Jamara and blessings from my mother," she said.
NC leader Dr. Minendra Rijal also said that he would stay in Kathmandu this Dasahin. "I either used to visit my home-town Biratnagar or travel abroad during Dashain, but this year both activities are impossible due to COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
Rijal is quite worried about the global pandemic. "The situation is getting worse and worse and the government is not serious about it," he added.