KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Maha Astami observed today
Nepali Hindus across the country observed Maha Astami today (Tuesday), the eighth day of the 10-day-long Bada Dashain festival, by worshipping Goddess Durga Bhawani. On this day, special worship is offered to the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Maha Saraswati. Maha Astami is considered a significant day in the Dashain festival, as it marks the occasion when Goddess Durga is believed to have attained divine power. Devotees perform religious rituals at Dashain Ghars and armories, and offer worship at various shrines by making animal sacrifices. Goats, ducks, and roosters are commonly sacrificed as part of the traditional offerings. Many also recite the Durga Saptashati scriptures on this occasion.
Aryatara Shakya anointed as new Living Goddess Kumari
Two-and-a-half-year-old Aryatara Shakya of Itumbahal, Kathmandu, has been anointed as the Living Goddess (Kumari). In a ceremony held at the Kumari Ghar in Basantapur on Tuesday, Aryatara was ritually installed on the sacred Kumari throne at an auspicious hour following the traditional selection process.
UML youth wing protests government move to block Oli’s passport
The National Youth Association Nepal, a youth wing close to the CPN-UML, has objected to the government’s decision to block the passports of party chair and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and others. Issuing a statement on Tuesday, Association President Kshitiz Thebe warned that any decision taken without evidence or on the basis of prejudice and political revenge would be unacceptable.
Ramechhap- Lukla flights commence targeting tourists
The Ramechhap–Lukla flights have commenced. The Civil Aviation Authority has stated that flights have started targeting tourists going for Everest climbing and base camp visits in autumn. Various companies bring tourists from Kathmandu to Manthali, Ramechhap by road and from there take them to Lukla by air.
Nation can’t progress without ousting major party leaders: Prabhu Sah
Chairman of the Aam Janata Party (AJP) and former minister Prabhu Sah has said that Nepal cannot move forward unless the top leaders of the major political parties are forcibly removed from power. Speaking at a program in Chandrapur Municipality, Rautahat, Sah strongly criticized the dominant political parties, accusing them of obstructing national development. He claimed that the “syndicated politics” of the mainstream parties and their leaders is harming both the nation and its citizens. “Unless these leaders are removed from the political landscape, the country will not be able to chart a new path,” he said.
Nepal clinches Unity Cup T20 series with dominant win over West Indies
Nepal has secured victory in the Unity Cup T20 series, defeating the West Indies with one match to spare after a commanding 90-run win at the Sharjah Cricket Ground in the United Arab Emirates. In Monday’s match, Nepal posted a total of 173 runs for six wickets after winning the toss and opting to bat first. The West Indies, in response, were bowled out for just 83 runs in 17.1 overs, handing Nepal a comprehensive victory and an unassailable lead in the series. This match marked Nepal’s second consecutive win in the series, following their historic triumph over the West Indies in the opening game.
Deputy Speaker Rana stresses good governance and stability
Deputy Speaker Indira Rana has called for political stability, good governance, and responsible leadership. In her Dashain message, Deputy Speaker Rana emphasized that the upcoming House of Representatives election is a crucial opportunity to bring stability to the country and steer it firmly along the constitutional path. She urged all stakeholders to ensure that the election is free, fair, transparent, and credible. “Elections are the foundation of democracy. Through elections, people’s representatives guarantee citizens’ rights and strengthen the democratic process. I believe all sides will actively contribute to making the election successful,” her message read.
Dengue infections exceed 5,000 in 75 districts
Dengue infections have exceeded 5,000 cases this year. Since the beginning of 2025, which started in mid-December 2024, a total of 5,196 cases have been confirmed. The infection has now spread across 75 districts, with 294 new cases reported in the last week alone, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD). It added that 1,327 infections have been reported in Gandaki Province, followed by 1,191 in Bagmati, 911 in Lumbini, 737 in Koshi, 622 in Sudurpaschim, 296 in Karnali, and 112 in Madhesh Province. The data recorded by the EDCD and uploaded into the government system represent only a small portion of the true burden of dengue in the country.
Former PM Nepal calls for unity in nation-building efforts
Chairman of the Unified Socialist party and former Prime Minister, Madhav Kumar Nepal, has called for unity, cooperation, and collective effort to build a prosperous Nepal. In a message of best wishes issued on the occasion of Bada Dashain, he extended warm greetings to all Nepalis at home and abroad. He emphasized that preserving the diverse cultures of Nepal’s various ethnic groups and communities would strengthen social harmony and unity.
Former Gorkha soldier Rai’s lucrative goat farming business
After serving in the British Army for 30 years, Surya Prasad Rai of Sirdali, Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality-2 in Bhojpur, returned to his village and established a successful goat farming business. By investing the skills and savings earned abroad, Rai has become a model figure in his community through his commitment to commercial agriculture. Despite having the opportunity to settle overseas, Rai chose to return to Nepal out of a deep sense of love and responsibility for his homeland. Since 2018, he has been professionally raising goats with the aim of contributing to society.
Lack of bridge over Sunkoshi causes hardship for Khotang-bound passengers
The absence of a bridge over the Sunkoshi River has caused significant hardship for passengers traveling to Khotang, especially during the Dashain festival. Travelers coming from Kathmandu and various parts of the Terai via Gaighat in Udaypur and the Sagarmatha Highway are among the worst affected. The bridge on the Sunkoshi River along the Gaighat–Diktel road section was destroyed by flooding last September. Although a temporary Bailey bridge was installed eight months ago, it has since been closed, forcing travelers to take long and costly detours through other routes.
Woman dies of electrocution in Kanchanpur
A woman has died from electrocution in Deralitol, Punarbas Municipality-10, Kanchanpur. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sagar Bohara of the District Police Office, 55-year-old local resident Karadi Devi Rawat died on the spot after receiving an electric shock while attempting to plug in a fan in her room.
Cook meat right, eat in moderation: Doctors
As families across Nepal celebrate Dashain by preparing and consuming large quantities of meat, health experts are urging caution, warning that the festive season often brings a spike in diet-related illnesses due to unhealthy cooking methods and overeating. While eating meat itself isn’t harmful, health experts emphasize that the method of preparation plays a crucial role in determining its impact on health. Dr. Bhojraj Adhikari, a physician at Pushpanjali Hospital, warns that poor dietary habits during the festival can lead to a surge in health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, gastritis, vomiting, constipation, and elevated uric acid levels.
Dashain brings no joy for Banahara camp families
While much of the country is celebrating Dashain with joy and anticipation, the atmosphere in Banahara Camp, located just off the East-West Highway in Shuklaphanta Municipality-11, Kanchanpur, is starkly different. For the 28 landless families living here, Dashain only deepens their sense of hardship and exclusion. Today marked Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of the festival, and while households across Nepal are buzzing with preparations, the residents of Banahara are struggling to secure even two meals a day. “We are landless. I’m getting older, and there’s barely any work. On a good week, I find a day’s labor—just enough to eat,” shared 65-year-old Mathudevi Damai. “I dream of eating good food and wearing new clothes during Dashain. But dreams don’t fill stomachs. This is how we’ll live and die.
Plight of a mountain goat trader: From Dolpa to Baglung to meet Dashain expenses
With a stick in hand, a worn-out hat on his head, and sweat-soaked clothes, Lok Bahadur Rokaya trudged wearily along the Mid-Hill Highway near Badigad, Baglung, on Monday evening. Fatigue and disappointment were etched on his face. A native of Kaike Rural Municipality-4 in Dolpa, Rokaya had walked for days, bringing 300 chyangras (mountain goats) from the highlands of Dolpa to sell ahead of Dashain. Now, 11 days into his journey, he had sold 200 goats by the time he reached Badigad. With only 100 left, he was desperate to sell them—at any price—before returning home. “I plan to sell them all by Tuesday and head back,” he said. But with sluggish sales, his hopes were fading.
National Identity Card services reach villages in Humla
Residents of rural areas in Humla no longer need to travel to the district headquarters in Simkot to obtain their national identity cards, as mobile registration services have now been launched in their own villages. Previously, locals were compelled to spend thousands of rupees and travel long distances to the District Administration Office in Simkot to register for the cards. However, in a major relief for remote communities, data collection for national identity cards has now begun at the local level. In the past month alone, data from 3,263 individuals has been collected across several rural municipalities.
Escaped prisoners given deadline to return by October 6
Prisoners who escaped from Jaleshwor Prison on September 9, taking advantage of the Gen-Z movement, have been given a final opportunity to return to custody by October 6, according to prison authorities. Jailer Ashok Chhetri informed that the Jaleshwor Prison Office has issued an official notice urging all escapees to return voluntarily within the set deadline.
Three-year-old boy dies from snakebite in Kanchanpur
A three-year-old boy has died after being bitten by a snake in Krishnapur Municipality-4, Kanchanpur. According to the District Police Office, the child, the son of local farmer Lucky, was bitten on the head by a snake while sleeping inside his family’s mud house. He was rushed to Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi in critical condition but died during treatment at around 2 a.m. last night, police confirmed.
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