KATHMANDU: Former King Gyanendra Shah has decided to observe this year’s Bada Dashain festival in a subdued manner in view of the recent natural disasters that have caused widespread loss of life and property across the country.
A notice issued by the communication secretariat at Nirmal Niwas on Sunday confirmed that the former king will not offer tika and jamara to the general public on the occasion of Bijaya Dashami this year.
According to the secretariat, the decision comes amid the difficult circumstances created by landslide-triggered floods in August and persistent heavy rainfall in September. The disasters have displaced thousands of people, claimed hundreds of lives and caused extensive damage to property.
In its statement, the secretariat said the former king had decided to celebrate Bada Dashain in a simple manner while maintaining his faith, values and dignity, taking into account the suffering and losses caused by the recent disasters.
The secretariat further confirmed that the traditional public tika and jamara ceremony, which has been held on Bijaya Dashami in previous years, will not take place this year.
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