Nepal: Vijaya Dashami festival scheduled on October 26

Event

Nepalese authorities announced that the Vijaya Dashami festival is scheduled to take place in Nepal on Monday, October 26. The festival is being held to mark the end of the Dashain/Navaratri celebrations. The public holiday will last from Thursday, October 23, through Wednesday, October 28. Participants are set to gather at fairs, temples, public squares, and at pandals (temporary structures) across Nepal on October 26 to celebrate the festival. 

However, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) controls remain in place and authorities have appealed to the participants to refrain from large gatherings and nonessential travel.

Additionally, an army parade is set to take place from Gorkha to Hanuman Dhoka Durbar on October 23. Private hire vehicles and public transport are likely to be in high demand during the festive period.

A heightened security presence and associated transport and business disruptions are to be expected near protest sites.

Advice

Those in Nepal are advised to monitor the situation, adjust travel itineraries and avoid unnecessary overland movement in the immediate term, avoid the vicinity of any demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.