Govt panel proposes adding 13 public holidays next year

Kathmandu, January 3

Contrary to its own decision of cutting down public holidays, the government is preparing to add 13 public holidays for the next Bikram Sambat year that begins in mid-April.

A panel consisting Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, Culture Minister Rabindra Adhikari and Urban Development Minister Mohammed Istiyak Rai has proposed increasing the number of holidays owing to suggestions from various groups and communities.

The government had cancelled 12 public holidays as it issued the holiday calendar for this year (BS 2075).

If the Council of Ministers endorses the proposal floated by three ministers, there will be public holidays on the following festivals next year:

1. Ubhauli or Baishakh Purnima
2. Udhauli or Mangsir Purnima
3. Eid al-Fitr
4. Bakra Eid or Eid al-Adha
5. Mohammed Day
6. Christmas
7. Tamu Lhosar
8. Sonam Lhosar
9. Gyalbo Lhosar
10. Rishi Panchami
11. Janai Purnima
12. Maghi
13. Chhath