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On the third day of the Dashain tika ritual, devotees across the country are continuing to receive red tika and jamara as blessings from their elders, considered the sacred offerings of Goddess Navadurga.

On Ashwin Shukla Dwadashi, people are still visiting the homes of their elders to receive the tika and jamara. According to the Nepal Panchanga Decision Committee, the practice of offering tika and jamara, which begins on Vijayadashami after nine days of Navadurga worship, continues until the full moon day. Family members living far away traditionally visit their elders to receive blessings until that time.

In some districts of western Nepal, however, the custom is to receive tika and jamara only on the day of Vijayadashami itself. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has advised people to avoid long-distance travel unless necessary due to heavy rainfall and road blockages.

The government has suspended all vehicle movement in and out of the Kathmandu Valley for three days due to heavy rainfall forecasts.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the decision was taken after the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology predicted continued heavy rainfall across most parts of the country.

The ban will be in effect on Oct 4, 5, and 6 (Ashoj 18, 19, and 20) for long-distance vehicles operating from Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, as well as all vehicles entering or leaving the Kathmandu Valley.

Nepal is bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall across various parts of the country. In response, the government has placed all relevant agencies, including security forces, on high alert due to the increased risk of floods and landslides. Nighttime travel restrictions have been imposed on major highways to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

Citizens have been advised to remain indoors. Political parties have issued directives to their cadres to stay alert and assist the public in case of emergencies. Foreign tourists currently trekking and mountaineering are returning early due to the deteriorating weather conditions. People are praying that the rains do not cause damage and loss of life, as they did last year. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal is in constant consultation with security and disaster response agencies to coordinate preparedness and response efforts.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has received one complaint related to human rights violations during the Dashain festival. The Commission has also drawn the government’s attention to rising criminal activities and black market practices during the festive season. With the absence of an elected legislature, the NHRC has stressed its vital role in holding the government accountable and safeguarding civil and political rights.

The Nepal Intellectual Council, a sister organization of the CPN-UML, has requested party Chairman KP Sharma Oli to step down from the leadership before the upcoming general convention. A formal letter was submitted to party General Secretary Shankar Pokharel urging for a leadership transition. Despite mounting pressure following the GenZ protests and increasing public criticism, Oli has made it clear he will not resign before the next convention.

The Ministry of Finance has announced that Nepali or foreign nationals entering Nepal may carry up to USD 500 in cash without a customs declaration. However, any amount exceeding USD 5,000 must be declared at customs. Newly appointed Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal has initiated a series of austerity measures aimed at improving the country’s economic health. He has taken action against unlawful benefits taken by political parties, a move that has garnered public support.

As domestic airlines hike fares due to ongoing highway blockades, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has issued a list of maximum allowable airfare rates for major domestic routes. CAAN has urged the public to report any airlines charging above the government-set rates. The move comes in response to public complaints and increased pressure on air travel due to restricted road transport.

Three people lost their lives in separate road accidents on Thursday in Ramechhap, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi West districts.

In Ramechhap Municipality-7, Bhalukhop, a taxi (Bagmati Province BH 9219) heading towards Ramechhap Danda from Bhalukhop met with an accident after losing control on Thursday afternoon. The driver, 41-year-old Lal Kaji Ghising of Hudichhap, Manthali Municipality-4, who was critically injured, died during treatment at Ramechhap District Hospital.

In Chitwan, a pedestrian was killed after being hit by a bus (Ga 2 Kha 1404) at Pipal Chowk, Bharatpur Metropolitan City-7, on Thursday evening. The victim, 72-year-old Nandakali Kandel of the same locality, succumbed to injuries during treatment at Bharatpur Government Hospital. Police have taken the bus driver into custody.

Similarly, in Nawalparasi West, a pedestrian was killed after being hit by a motorcycle (Ba 82 Pa 9863) at Nayabasti, Sunwal Municipality-2, on Thursday night. The victim, 50-year-old Pramila Teli of the same area, died early Friday morning while undergoing treatment at Tinau International Hospital, Butwal, Rupandehi. Police have taken the motorcyclist into custody.

Police said investigations into the accidents are underway.