KATHMANDU: The ruling party Nepal Communist Party (NCP) has decided not to hold a tea reception program for this year on the occasion of festivals including Bada Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat 1141, and Chhath.

NCP Central Office Secretaries Ishwori Rijal and Shree Ram Dhakal issued a statement on Tuesday stating that the program has been postponed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement wished for happiness, prosperity, and progress to all Nepalis living in the country and abroad on the festivals’ occasion.