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The BP Highway (Dhulikhel–Sindhuli–Bardibas) remains in a damaged state after floods and landslides struck in mid-September, causing daily hardship for commuters in areas like Katunjebesi, Mangalatar, and Nepal Thok.

With Dashain bringing thousands of travelers to the road, the situation has worsened. The diversion road built after the Roshi River flood damaged the highway is rough and dusty, making travel difficult and uncomfortable.

Officials say reconstruction of the severely damaged sections could cost around Rs 9.66bn, but funding has yet to be secured. Until then, travelers are forced to rely on the temporary dirt road. In Kavrepalanchok’s Namobuddha to Kaladhunga stretch, eight out of 12 kilometers were completely destroyed by the disaster. 

The 160-km BP Highway, built with grant assistance from Japan starting in fiscal year 1996/97 and officially handed over to Nepal in 2015, has now become a major travel bottleneck during the festive season.

Photos: Nepal Photo Library

The violent protests of Sept 8–9 led to the collapse of the powerful coalition government led by the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML, with KP Sharma Oli at the helm. More than three weeks have passed since the formation of the interim government under Sushila Karki, established on the mandate of the GenZ protests.

Second-rung and youth leaders from the major political parties—NC, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Center)—who had long demanded changes in party and government leadership, have now aligned with GenZ’s core demands: curbing corruption, restoring law and order, and initiating leadership reforms.

The CPN (Maoist Center) has already dissolved its Central Committee to prepare for a general convention. Within the Nepali Congress, leaders Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma are pushing for a leadership transition.

However, within the UML, resistance to change remains strong. While some party leaders have voiced that KP Sharma Oli should at least step down as chairman, Oli has remained defiant. Critics within the party warn that maintaining the status quo could damage the UML’s chances in upcoming elections.

Oli, who has faced a storm of criticism—particularly on mainstream media and social media—for the deaths of 19 youths during the protests, has shown no signs of accepting responsibility. A senior UML leader who attended a recent party meeting said, “Even after such major changes in the political landscape, Oli has not acknowledged his mistakes.”

According to the leader, Oli dismissed the protests as being driven by foreign interference, claiming that “Nepali citizens would never engage in such violence.” He also reportedly told colleagues that his nationalist policies and efforts to strengthen ties with China made him a target of foreign conspiracies.

As Oli continues to deflect blame, he has made it clear he has no intention of resigning as party chair. Over the past week, he has repeatedly insisted that he never ordered the police to open fire on protestors. Oli has also labeled the current interim government “unconstitutional,” accusing it of coming to power through violence and destruction. In response, the government has imposed restrictions on his movement: he is barred from foreign travel and must seek permission from the probe committee to leave the Kathmandu Valley.

Despite growing internal criticism, Oli retains support within the UML. Of the party’s 18-member Secretariat, more than half still back his continued leadership. His loyalists argue that removing Oli now would further weaken the party, and blame second-rung leaders for the UML's current disarray. Nevertheless, some leaders are now openly challenging Oli’s authority. While Oli has signaled that any leadership transition will follow party procedure—beginning with a Central Committee meeting to discuss a general convention—calls for fresh leadership are growing.

Some voices within the party have even floated the idea of bringing back former president Bidya Devi Bhandari as a unifying leader. However, the party has already formally revoked her membership, complicating that possibility. As pressure mounts, the UML stands at a crossroads—torn between loyalty to a controversial leader and the growing demand for reform from both within and outside the party.

Nepalis across the country celebrated Maha Asthami, the eighth day of the ten-day-long Bada Dashain festival, by worshipping Goddess Durga Bhawani. With the nation immersed in festive celebrations, political activity has significantly slowed. According to Nepal Police, over 111,000 people have left the Kathmandu Valley in the past 24 hours to reunite with family and celebrate the festival.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Lok Bahadur Thapa, delivered a comprehensive address during the UN General Assembly’s high-level debate, calling for urgent international solidarity to address global crises. Thapa highlighted Nepal’s recent socio-political challenges and achievements, framing them within the broader need for strengthened multilateral cooperation.

Referring to the recent GenZ-led protests, Thapa emphasized the youth’s demand for transparent governance, equal opportunity, and an end to corruption. He acknowledged their aspirations for “a fair, just, and prosperous Nepal,” while also expressing concern over the violence that occurred during the demonstrations, which resulted in casualties and damage to public infrastructure.

In response to the changing political landscape, Ghanashyam Bhushal, General Secretary of the CPN (Unified Socialist), released a statement outlining key proposals: political parties should issue a white paper evaluating the post-constitution political developments, a high-level commission should be formed to investigate the properties of individuals in senior positions, undeclared wealth should be nationalized, communist parties should unify and take decisive action against corruption and employment generation must become a national priority.

Adding to the political tension, the Rastriya Yuba Sangh, a youth wing affiliated with a major political party, issued a statement condemning the government’s decision to bar party chairman KP Sharma Oli from traveling abroad. The organization also opposed the Nepal Police’s plan to arrest CPN-UML leader Mahesh Basnet in connection with a cyber-crime investigation.

Controversy has also emerged around Gauri Bahadur Karki, the chair of the investigation commission tasked with probing the Sept 8–9 GenZ protests. Karki has faced criticism over a series of posts he made on X (formerly Twitter) before assuming the role, in which he sharply criticized political leaders—raising concerns about impartiality.

In cultural news, Aryatara Shakya, a two-year-and-eight-month-old girl, has been selected as the new Kumari, or living goddess. She was ceremoniously carried from her home in a Kathmandu alley to the traditional temple palace, replacing the outgoing Kumari, who retires upon reaching puberty. In the tourism sector, flights between Ramechhap and Lukla have resumed, targeting tourists heading to the Everest Base Camp during the autumn trekking season. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that operations have restarted to accommodate increased travel demand.

With Navaratri underway, the Dashain festival has brought excitement across the country. Families, relatives, and communities are gathering to celebrate, making it a season of unity and festivity. Along with joy, however, comes the need to pay attention to health—especially when it comes to food.

Dashain is marked by feasts featuring meat dishes, but doctors warn that overconsumption and poor choices can affect health. Meat-based dishes are often low in water content and high in fat, creating imbalances in the body. Senior cardiologist Dr Prakash Raj Regmi recommends consuming green vegetables and salads alongside meat to maintain a balanced diet.

“Meat provides iron, protein, amino acids, and Vitamin B12,” says Dr Regmi. “But it also contains cholesterol and saturated fat. Fresh, fiber-rich foods like vegetables, pulses, and fruits should also be included. Instead of soft drinks, fresh fruit juice, yogurt, lassi, or buttermilk are healthier options.”

Safe meat consumption

Doctors stress the importance of buying meat from clean, well-maintained butcher shops. Meat should only be purchased from outlets with proper hygiene measures, including wire mesh or glass covers to prevent contamination from flies and insects. Tools such as chopping boards and knives should be kept clean.

Consumer rights activist Bishnu Timilsena cautions buyers to be alert, as some vendors mislabel female animals’ meat as male or even sell poor-quality meat for profit. “Consumers should always demand fresh meat of natural quality,” he says.

What not to eat

Oncologist Dr Arun Shahi advises avoiding stale or rotten food during the holidays. “Do not eat burnt or charred meat, and try to avoid red meat,” he warns. “Disciplined eating is essential during Dashain.”

Dr Regmi adds that goat skin contains high amounts of fat and cholesterol and suggests avoiding offal such as liver and kidneys. He further advises against oily, deep-fried meat dishes and alcohol consumption during the festival.

Improperly handled meat can carry parasites such as Taenia saginata (tapeworm), especially in buffalo intestines. While laws require animals to be inspected before slaughter, rights groups say enforcement is weak, allowing unfit meat to reach consumers.

Focus on fiber

High-fiber foods are essential for digestion, weight control, diabetes management, and preventing chronic illnesses. Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and avocado are rich in fiber. Doctors recommend pairing meat dishes with fiber-rich foods to stay healthy and energetic.

“People with heart disease must be especially careful,” says Dr Regmi. “Excess salty and fatty foods can raise blood pressure, cause irregular heartbeat, and complicate heart function. Medication must not be skipped.”

Stay active, stay healthy

Beyond food, Dashain also brings opportunities for physical and mental wellness. Traditional activities such as visiting shrines, swinging on ping (swings), and flying kites promote both exercise and joy.

Dr Regmi suggests avoiding a sedentary lifestyle during the holiday. “Instead of sitting indoors playing cards, go outside, meet relatives, play swings, and exercise. Enjoy clean, homemade food and stay active for both fun and health,” he advises.