Torrential rain caused severe flooding in Bhaktapur, leading to waterlogged settlements and inundated homes. Lumani Datta Parajuli, a local resident, experienced significant distress as floodwater entered his home during preparations for his mother's death anniversary rituals. The flood forced him and his wife to seek refuge on the first floor, resulting in the loss of their belongings and a sense of despair.

Gaijatra, a traditional festival of cows, is being celebrated in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley with much enthusiasm. The week-long festival, which starts on the first day of the waning moon in the Nepali month of Bhadra, involves people impersonating cows and lunatics to honor those who passed away in the past year. The festival, believed to have been initiated by King Pratap Malla to console his grieving queen, features participants in odd costumes and includes offerings of fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money. Newspapers and magazines also publish special humor and satire supplements to mark the occasion.

Khokana, an ancient village in Lalitpur, Nepal, is renowned for its mustard oil and agricultural activities. The village, far from urban chaos, relies on rainwater for farming. The article provides a visual glimpse of farmers engaged in weeding, highlighting the area's natural beauty and agricultural heritage.

Kathmandu's metropolitan city suffers from poor wire management, with haphazardly hanging wires damaging the city's aesthetics and posing risks to pedestrians and vehicles. The improper installation of wires for electricity, internet, and telephone services has led to accidents and remains a significant urban challenge.

In Kathmandu, road accidents continue unabated due to poorly maintained zebra crossings, non-operational traffic lights, and sky bridges. Out of 300 zebra crossings, 60% are barely visible, endangering pedestrians. Additionally, 25 sky bridges are not in use. Over the past five years, there have been 27,150 road accidents. Jaya Raj Sapkota of the Kathmandu Metropolitan Traffic Police Division suggests that proper use of crossings and awareness programs could reduce accidents.

Preparations for Mahashivaratri are in full swing at Pashupatinath, with the Pashupati Area Development Trust expecting around 1 million pilgrims. The festival, scheduled for March 4, will have three doors open to facilitate easy access. Approximately 7,000 Sadhus are anticipated to attend the event, which attracts thousands of devotees, especially from India.

Kukur Tihar, the festival dedicated to dogs, was celebrated in Kathmandu, Nepal, marking the second day of the Tihar festival. Dogs, revered for their loyalty and companionship, are worshipped, garlanded, and offered food. The festival also commemorates the mythological association of dogs with Dharmaraj Yudhisthir from the Mahabharat. Additionally, a special program was held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Nepal Police's use of dogs in crime investigation, highlighting their significant role.

Nepal's Gaurika Singh won the first gold medal for Nepal in the 200-meter freestyle swimming event, setting a new national record of 2:09.19 minutes, breaking her own previous record set in 2018. This marks the first time a Nepali swimmer has won a gold medal in an individual category.

Kathmandu underwent an overnight transformation in preparation for Chinese President Xi Jinping's two-day state visit, following an invitation from Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari. The improvements, which include repaved roads and decorated sidewalks, are similar to those made for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit last year. Locals are skeptical about the longevity of these changes, questioning the temporary nature of development that coincides with high-profile visits, while long-term infrastructure issues persist.

Bhaktapur, a city rich in culture and traditions, is renowned for its famous yogurt, juju dhau, also known as the King of Yogurt. The yogurt, which has historical significance dating back to the Malla Kings, is not only popular in Nepal but also exported internationally. Migendra Pradhananga, a local businessman, continues the family tradition of making juju dhau despite challenges such as the scarcity of buffalo milk. The process of making juju dhau involves several meticulous steps, and the business faces the risk of extinction due to the milk shortage. Efforts are needed at both governmental and non-governmental levels to preserve this important aspect of Newari culture.

Janku is a Newari cultural ceremony performed at specific ages, starting from when individuals are weaned onto solid foods and continuing at ages 77, 82, 88, 99, and 105. The ceremony is a significant tradition in the Newari community, symbolizing divinity in elderly individuals after their final Janku at age 105.

Incessant rainfall since Thursday night led to the collapse of an eastern wall of Singha Durbar, the administrative hub of Nepal, on Friday morning. The collapse halted vehicular movement on the Anamnagar-Baneswor road section.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City, with the assistance of Nepal Police, cleared up shops running in and around the Dharahara premises on Saturday. The local vendors had been previously notified to vacate the area following the termination of their contracts due to the destruction of Dharahara in the 2015 earthquake. Despite the notice, the shopkeepers did not comply, leading to the KMC's action of using dozers to demolish the shop infrastructures.

The third session of the Honda Nepal Dream Cup, aimed at reducing road accidents and providing a safe environment for motorcycle racing, concluded at Syakar Safety Riding Centre in Lalitpur. The event, divided into 250cc and 150cc categories, saw 19 riders compete under the International Sporting Code of the Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme. Best performers Bibash Shrestha and Ashik Lama will represent Nepal in the Honda India Dream Cup in Chennai. The event is seen as a positive step towards promoting safe racing and reducing illegal street racing in Nepal.

Nepal Army celebrated 'Maha Shivaratri and Army Day-2075' at the Army Pavilion in Tudikhel, Kathmandu. Supreme Commander Bidya Devi Bhandari paid homage to martyrs and received the Guard of Honor. The event featured traditional military displays, including celebratory firing, marches, and drills. The Army Headquarters emphasized the day as a reaffirmation of the Army's devotion to the nation and its organizational unity.

Nepal hosted its first pre-qualifier for Mr Olympia at the Nepal Academy Hall, organized by the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB). The event saw participation from 20 bodybuilders across eight countries. Winners included Saurabti Sing from India, Amir Hossein Sadatnia from Iran, Binita Rai from Nepal, and Jamie Do Rigo from the UAE. The winners will compete in Mr Olympia in Las Vegas. The event aims to provide Nepali bodybuilders with opportunities to compete internationally, with Mahesh Maharjan cited as an example of Nepali success.

Gambirdhoj Joshi, a 65-year-old coin collector, has been preserving Nepal's history through his extensive coin collection for over 50 years. His shop, established by his father before the founding of Nepal Bank Limited in 1994, features coins dating back to 500 BC and the Lichchhavi era. Despite changes in coin design over the years, Joshi remains passionate about his hobby, emphasizing the historical value of his collection.

Sonam Lhosar, marking the start of a new year for the Tamang community in Nepal, was celebrated with various cultural programs, traditional dances, and extensive feasts. The festival, which signifies the transition from the Year of the Dog to the Year of the Pig, included blessings from monks, musical performances, and family gatherings with a variety of traditional foods.

Hindu devotees in Kathmandu and Tarai districts celebrated the third day of the Chhath festival by offering arghya to the setting sun. The rituals included a holy bath and offerings of traditional food items like Thekuwa and Kasaar. The festival will conclude with worship and offerings to the rising sun, symbolizing wishes for prosperity, happiness, wellbeing, and long life for family members.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari observed the Fulpati feu-de-joie presented by the Nepalese Army at Tundikhel as part of the Bada Dashain festival. The event featured rifle and cannon salutes, march-pasts, and a parade forming the National Flag. Attendees included high-ranking government officials, diplomatic representatives, and dignitaries.

The Crown symbolizing Nepal's 240-year-old monarchy is now on display at the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The exhibition includes the Crown, Sceptre, and other regalia of the Shah dynasty. The display aims to attract tourists and preserve historical artifacts, with officials highlighting the museum's transformation since 2009.

Kathmandu is preparing to host the 14th BIMSTEC summit, leading to increased security and significant disruptions in major roads. The dignitaries will stay at Hotel Soaltee Crown Plaza, causing public inconvenience due to restricted movement from Tribhuvan International Airport to the hotel.

Kalimati vegetable market in Kathmandu partially reopened on Wednesday following a closure called by entrepreneurs demanding the release of Bharat Prashad Khatiwada, who was arrested during a market monitoring operation. The market saw a significant reduction in the volume of produce, leading to customer grievances over insufficient supply. Entrepreneurs accused the government of defaming them, while the Department of Commerce, Supply and Protection of Consumers defended their actions.

A mass gathering was held in Kathmandu to support Dr Govinda KC, who is on the 20th day of his hunger strike in Jumla. The event, organized by the Nepal Medical Association, saw participation from Bibeksheel Sajha party cadres, former health minister Gagan Thapa, civil society members, doctors, and other professionals, all demanding that Dr KC's demands be addressed and his life saved.

Bungee Jumping in the Bhotekoshi river, operated by The Last Resort, has regained its popularity after being severely affected by the 2015 earthquake. The activity, which involves a free fall from a 160-meter high bridge, is attracting both domestic and foreign tourists, and is listed among the top 10 bungee jumps in the world.

The Nepal Students' Union protested against inflation and price hikes in petroleum products in front of Balmiki Campus, Kathmandu. They also chanted slogans against their chairperson, Sher Bahadur Deuba, urging him to respect internal democratic practices within the Nepali Congress. Additionally, they appealed to the Supreme Court not to waive the jail sentence of former CPN Maoist Center leader Bal Krishna Dhungel, who is charged with the murder of Ujjan Shrestha during the Maoist insurgency.

Candles were lit in Maitighar Mandala by the Federation of Nepali Journalist and Photojournalist club Nepal to honor the ten journalists killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan. The attack appeared to target journalists specifically, with the bomber using a press card to approach the group. Among the victims was Shah Marai, a veteran chief photographer for Agence France-Presse in Afghanistan. Over the past 15 years, more than 1,000 journalists have been murdered worldwide.

The locals of Bhaktapur celebrated the annual Sindoor Jatra, a festival to welcome spring, with a procession of 32 palanquins and traditional music and dance. Buddha Krishna Bagha Shrestha pierced his tongue for the sixth consecutive time as part of the Bisket Jatra festival, a ritual that signifies good fortune if no bleeding occurs. The event was marked by vibrant cultural activities and community participation.

The Bisket Jatra, a week-long cultural festival marking the arrival of the New Year, commenced in Bhaktapur with the towing of the Bhairavnath chariot from Taumadhi. The festival, rooted in tantric rituals and dating back to before the Lichhavi era, involves locals pulling the chariot to their respective communities until midnight. Historical records indicate that King Jagatjyoti Malla played a significant role in grandly celebrating this festival.

The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has declared the Pashupati area in Kathmandu as free of beggars, following a coordinated effort with the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and other organizations. The initiative involved rehabilitating beggars, with 80 individuals already relocated to foster homes in Gongobu and Budhanilakantha Ashram. The move aims to address both genuine beggars and those fraudulently begging by impersonating as handicapped or diseased.

The Sherpa community in Nepal celebrated Gyalpo Lhosar, marking the beginning of the Tibetan New Year, with enthusiasm on February 16. The year 2,145 is designated as the 'Year of the Dog'.

The Sherpa community in Nepal celebrated Gyalpo Lhosar, marking the beginning of the Tibetan New Year, with great enthusiasm on Friday. The year 2,145 is designated as the 'Year of the Dog'.