Silence period diminishes Holi vibrancy

By Bom Lal Giri,Nawalpur, Mar. 4: The vibrancy of the Holi festival has diminished in the Tarai districts, including Nawalpur, as the silence period for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 takes effect.

In previous years, people celebrated with colours and water, enjoying themselves in groups. However, this year the festivities have been subdued as the election silence period has already begun. Apart from children gathering in small groups, there has been little presence of other age groups celebrating Holi this year. 

The Chief of the District Police Office, Superintendent of Police Yubaraj Khadka, said that the festive atmosphere has decreased this time because the silence period has begun and the police have restricted large gatherings, noise and dancing. According to the police, voters are also focused on strategies to ensure the victory of their respective candidates, resulting in fewer people coming out to celebrate Holi.

Under the election code of conduct, the silence period began at midnight on Monday. In view of the election scheduled for March 5, the code of conduct prohibits anyone form of campaign activities during the silence period.

The District Administration Office, Nawalpur, has also instructed candidates and political parties not to organise any assemblies, seminars, meetings, rallies or promotional programmes.

Owing to the silence period, traffic flow has also decreased. According to the District Traffic Police Office, although two-wheelers and four-wheelers are operating in smaller numbers on the roads, large freight and passenger vehicles are running only sparingly. 

The police have further added that security checks have been tightened to prevent any untoward incidents during Holi.