Baglung, April 11
Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN), District Coordination Council, Baglung has demanded the government withdraw its recent decision to downsize the number of public holidays from the coming Nepali New Year- 2075 BS.
At a press meet here today, the Council accused the government of removing public holidays given in the name of cultural festivals in the country and intending to erase cultural identity of the people. Council president Bom Bahadur Gurung, said it was a matter of concern that the government took a unilateral decision on this issue. “We are ready to toil 365 days for the development of the nation,” he said, adding that the decision to remove public holidays given on the occasion of typical festivals of people could not be justified under any circumstances. “Nepal is rich in culture and customs and such features are the State properties and must be protected.”
Nepal Magar Association, Baglung chair, Ganesh Thapa Magar, sought respects to sentiments of indigenous and ethnic communities. He was of the view that people’s culture and history could not be forgotten in the name of prosperity.
The incumbent government on March 28 decided to reduce the number of public holidays from 104 to 89. Public holidays given on the occasions of Tamu Lhosar, Sonam Lhosar, Gyalbo Lhosar, Udhauli, Ubhauli, and Maghi have been excluded from the Nepal government’s official calendar for 2075 BS. The Federation has been on a peaceful against the decision since then.
