NEPSE to Remain Closed: Govt Declares Public Holiday on The Occasion of Tihar and Chhat

The Government of Nepal has announced a public holiday from Sunday i.e. 26th Karik till Thursday i.e. 30th Mangsir on the occasion of the 'Tihar'. There is also a Chhath holiday on the 3rd of Mangsir, which is why secondary market will be open from the 4th of Mangsir, 2080 (Monday).

Nepal Stock Exchange Limited (NEPSE) will remain closed to mark Tihar and Chhat. Regular trading will resume in NEPSE from (4th Mangsir, 2080) at 11:00 AM, 10 days after today's business.

Tihar:

Tihar, also called Deepawali or Yamapanchak is a five-day celebration in Nepal, pays homage to Yama, the God of Death, and Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. This festival is a colorful and exuberant event that honors the interaction between people and animals as well as the value of money, success, and close family ties. Each day has its unique rituals: Kaag Tihar is dedicated to crows, Kukur Tihar to dogs, Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja to cows and Goddess Laxmi, Mha Puja for self-reflection, and Brothers' Day where sisters bless their brothers. The festival involves lighting up homes with candles, oil lamps, and electric lights, and decorating houses with garlands. Laxmi Puja welcomes the Goddess of Wealth with lit pathways into homes and open doors. Bhai Tika is a day of siblings honoring each other and seeking blessings for their brothers' prosperity and longevity.

Chhat:
Chhath Parva is a significant festival in Nepal, drawing numerous pilgrims to different places and celebrated throughout the country, particularly along riverbanks. Devotees seek both physical and spiritual purity. Devotees, mainly women, gather for three days, cleaning and fasting on the first day, preparing offerings on the second, and performing rituals by rivers at sunset.