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The “Navaratri”, a nine-night festival known as Bada Dashain and a significant celebration for Hindus in Nepal, has commenced today.

Ghatasthapana falls on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright half of the lunar calendar month Asoj or Kartik.

According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, the auspicious time for observing Ghatasthapana this year is at 9:13 am today. Deity Shailaputri is worshipped for observing Ghatastapana on the auspicious hour. The festival entails with reverence for deities such as Brhamacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalarati, Mahagauri, and Siddhirati.

The first day is being marked by worshipping the deity Shailaputri in accordance with Vedic rituals and preparing for Jamara (barley shoots) by sowing maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination.   

Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power today. Germination of the auspicious “Jamara” is also initiated at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar in accordance with Vedic rituals.   

On the 7th day of the festival, Dashain Phulpati are brought to home on September 29. The committee has set 11:53 am as the most auspicious time for Dashain tika on October 2 (Asoj 16). 

The government has formed a high-level probe commission to investigate the incident that occurred during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9.

A Cabinet meeting held on Sunday made the decision to this effect, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal informed.

According to him, a three-member commission was formed under the headship of former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki.

Former AIG Bigyan Raj Sharma and legal expert Bisheshwor Prasad Bhandari are the members of the commission.

Home Minister Aryal said that the commission has been given three months time to submit the report.

At least 72 people died and over 100 injured in clashes with security personnel during the protests led by Gen-Z against corruption and the government’s decision to ban social media sites.

Manoj Silwal has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority.

A Cabinet meeting held on Sunday made the decision to this effect.

Similarly, the meeting has decided to appoint NEA Executive Director Hitendra Dev Shakya as a senior officer  at the Water and Energy Commission.

He was appointed as the Executive Director at the NEA on March 24. 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has appealed to one and all to not express views in a way to incite violence. 

The remarks that hurt others' dignity should be avoided, Spokesperson at NHRC, Dr Tikaram Pokharel, said in a statement, adding it is essential to maintain restraint in the wake of recent political development. The views that provoke hatred must not be encouraged, he reminded.

The NHRC further said a new government is in place following the Gen-Z protest and even the date for the next election is fixed. But, the people affiliated to various groups and parties are making provocative speeches. Such speech incites violence, so it must not be continued.

Although it is the right of any citizen to have views on the latest situation and on the activities of public officials, it is essential to make remarks in a restrained and dignified manner, thereby promoting the values of human rights. 

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called on the private sector to rise with determination from the adverse situation and expressed the government's commitment to fully support them.

In a discussion with the representatives of the private sector held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar today, PM Karki stated that both the state and the private sector are facing a common challenge, citing significant damage to business establishments and industries during the recent Gen-Z protests.

"There has been such destruction. This has not only affected the private sector, but has also impacted the state. It is unfortunate that the private sector, which has provided employment, is being attacked," Prime Minister Karki said, adding that the government is committed to strengthening the rule of law and urged the private sector not to be disheartened. 

She said, "Do not be distressed at this time, we are with you. It is a positive aspect that the private sector is ready to support the state even when it is devastated."

In the discussion, Prime Minister Karki expressed a clear commitment that the government will operate within its legal jurisdiction.

"We will work within the rights we have. We will not operate outside the law. The state will take initiatives to provide relief for the affected industrial and commercial establishments," PM Karki said addressing the private sector. "Show the spirit to rise from the ashes; the state will assist. The private sector must also help to boost the morale of the security personnel."

Prime Minister Karki pointed out the possibility of controlling imports and raising taxes if necessary to promote internal production. However, she clarified that there will be no immediate policy for tax increases, stating, "Now is not the time to impose taxes. There will be an effort to evaluate the losses and provide relief."

Business leaders from the private sector have vowed revival, while expressing sorrow over the loss in the industrial and commercial enterprises during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9. 

During a meeting with Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday, the business leaders mentioned that they would rise again with new vigour. 

The private sector witnessed a serious setback from vandalism and arson, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal said. 

"As per the preliminary estimates, the total damage is around Rs 80 billion to Rs 100 billion. But, we will not remain idle by being disappointed, and will rise again," Dhakal said.  He shared that vandalism and arson are not merely impacts of the protests. The lootings and arson were carried out deliberately, he asserted, demanding that those involved in vandalism and arson must be booked immediately.

Also speaking at the event, Chair of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries Birendra Raj Pandey stated that the private sector has suffered the worst in every movement. "Against this context, special subsidy and concessional loans are needed to boost up confidence of the private sector," Pandey reminded. 

Likewise, Chair of the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries Umesh Singh, informed that almost 500,000 small and cottage industries out of total 900,000 in the country were not renewed and asked to waive off the renewal fees for once for such industries.    

Similarly, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Kamalesh Agrawal, suggested that the government that it unveiled a special integrated security plan to safeguard industrial property and develop confidence for investment. He was of the view that the current situation has marred both the investors and industrialists.

On the occasion, President of the Federation of Constrictor's Association of Nepal, Rabi Singh, viewed that this government should initiate a campaign for a corruption-free environment in the country along with the preparations for elections.

 The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 111. 70  points to close at 2, 623. 62 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 19. 07 points to close at 455. 28 points.

A total of 20,032,224-unit shares of 329 companies were traded for Rs 9. 17 billion.

Meanwhile, Sindhu Bikash Bank Ltd (SINDU), Bhugol Energy Development Company Limited (BEDC), Goodwill Finance Limited (GFCL), SHIVAM CEMENTS LTD (SHIVM) and Joshi Hydropower Development Company Ltd (JOSHI) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Siddhartha Premier Insurance Limited (SPIL) was the top loser as its price fell by 7. 64 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 1. 49 trillion.

The annual report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) has been submitted to President Ram Chandra Paudel today. 

The PSC Chairman Madhav Prasad Regmi presented the PSC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024/25 to the President in accordance with the Constitution of Nepal amidst a ceremony organized at the Office of the President.