KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Ghatasthapana solemnized at Shital Niwas
President Ram Chandra Paudel has solemnized the Ghatasthapana rituals along with worship of Goddess Durgadevi in keeping with the Vedic tradition at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas, the President House, on the occasion of Ghatasthapana of the Badadasain festival today.
There is the tradition of the Head of State, representing the whole nation, solemnizing the Ghatasthapana rituals with the worship of Durga, the goddess symbolizing power and might, as per the religious rites on the first day of the Durga Pakshya.
In keeping with this time-honoured tradition, President Paudel also observed the Ghatasthapana rituals and sowed the maize and barley seeds for their germination into Jamara.
Dashain festival begins, Ghatasthapana today
The “Navaratri Parba,” or nine-night festival of Bada Dashain, Nepal’s most significant Hindu celebration, kicks off today.
The first day, known as “Ghatasthapana,” falls on Aswin Shukla Pratipada, marking the beginning of the bright half of the lunar calendar in the month of Asoj.
On Ghatasthapana, Nepali Hindus perform Vedic rituals, worshiping the Diyo (an oil-fed lamp), Kalas (auspicious jar), and Lord Ganesh.
Historic agreement signed to export Nepal’s power to Bangladesh
The long-awaited tripartite power trade deal was signed on Thursday in Kathmandu paving ways to export Nepal’s hydroelectricity to Bangladesh.
With the agreement in force, Nepal will export 40 megawatts of power to Bangladesh.
Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Kulman Ghising, Chairperson of Bangladesh’s Power Development Board Mohammad Rezaul Karim and Chief Executive Officer of India’s NVVN, the nodal agency, Renu Narang signed the agreement in Kathmandu today.
Update: Floods and landslides claim 236 lives, 19 missing
The recent floods, landslides, and inundation caused by continuous rainfall have claimed 236 lives, with 19 people still missing.
According to Nepal Police, 173 individuals have been injured in the natural disasters. So far, 17,120 people have been rescued from flood and landslide-affected areas. The police also informed that efforts are underway to clear roads blocked by floods and landslides in various parts of the country. They have urged people to contact their local district police office before embarking on long journeys.
The government has provided emergency relief materials, including food, to the flood-affected, and free medical treatment is being offered to the injured.
PADT takes back ownership of Dharmashala after 21 years
The Dharmashala in Gaushala has returned to the ownership of Pashupati Area Development Fund after 21 years.
This was possible after the Kathmandu District Court annulled the agreement reached between Shri Pashupatinath Amalkot (currently Pashupati Area Development Fund) and Marwadi Service Committee regarding operation of Pashupati Gaushala Dharmashala in 2060 BS.
The Committee had filed a case after the Board of Directors of Pashupati Area Development Fund decided to cancel the nine-point agreement reached with the Marwadi Service Committee.
BP highway unlikely to be fully operational before Dashain: Ministry
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport announced that the BP Highway will not be fully operational before the Dashain festival.
During a press conference held at Singha Durbar on Thursday, the ministry explained that floods had washed away sections of the road from Chauki Danda to Kaladhunga, making it impossible to restore the highway to full functionality before the festival.
As an alternative, other routes are being cleared to ensure smooth travel, according to Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma. He stated that due to the terrain, constructing a temporary road isn’t feasible, and a retaining wall will be required to rebuild the washed-out section.
35 killed in Jhyaaple khola landslide identified
The identities of 35 passengers who lost their lives in the landslide at Jhyaaple Khola, along the Prithvi Highway, have been confirmed.
According to District Police Office Dhading’s Information Officer, Inspector Pralhad Silwal, the identification of all 35 passengers was completed by Thursday.
The recovered bodies have been sent to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for post-mortem, he added. Dhading Police had earlier requested families of the missing individuals to contact them with identification documents.
Gongabu Bus Park bustles as Dashain draws families home
With the arrival of Dashain, the great festival of Nepal, the Gongabu New Bus Park has seen a surge in activity since Ghatasthapana day.
Many people who have been living in the capital for work or education are now preparing to return to their villages for family reunions.
School vacations begin today, further contributing to the bustling atmosphere at the bus park as families gather to celebrate together.
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