Locals of Sudurpashchim, Karnali returning to mark Bisu Festival

By Gokarna Dayal,Baitadi, Apr. 8: Locals of Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces working in various cities in India have started returning home to mark Bisu Festival.

The two provinces celebrate Nepali New Year's Day, which falls on April 14 this year, as Bisu Festival.

Jhulaghat Border Police Station said that at least 200 Nepalis are returning home from Jhulaghat border point in Dasharathchand Municipality of Baitadi district on daily basis.

"Several locals of Baitadi, Darchula, Dadeldhura, Bajhang, Doti, Dailekh, Bajura, Dolpa and Humla districts are entering Nepal from the border point on a daily basis," said Yogesh Bahadur Pal, in-charge of the police station.

Data shows that 2,118 individuals, including 480 females and 1,638 males, have entered Nepal from Jhulaghat border since March 15.

Locals return home to celebrate Bisu Festival as there is a saying that "If the day of Bisu goes wrong, the whole year passes similarly."

"We buy new clothes for our family members and eat delicious food on the day of Bisu Festival. I am returning home with new clothes," said Krishna Bohora, a local of Baitadi who had just entered Nepal from India.

Celebrants also bath using mugwort and water and touch the brothers-and sisters-in-law with nettle during the festival. COVID-19 diagnosis intensified at border points

Officials have also been intensifying health check-up after the cases of COVID-19 were reported from individuals returning from India.

"On Thursday alone, four Nepalis who entered Nepal from Jhulaghat were tested positive for COVID-19. A health desk has been established for necessary diagnosis," said Yogesh Prasad Bhatta, chief at Baitadi Health Office.

According to Bhatta, none of the returnees have been allowed to enter without a COVID-19 test.

Until Friday, there were seven active COVID-19 patients in Baitadi.