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At his courtyard in Ihbahal, Krishna Maharjan, 55, is busy preparing molasses ahead of the upcoming Maghe Sankranti festival. For decades, he has been giving continuity to this traditional practice, preserving a cherished custom of his community.

Maghe Sankranti, a vibrant festival celebrated across Nepal, marks the beginning of the winter solstice and the transition of the sun into Capricorn. The day holds immense cultural and spiritual significance, particularly among the Hindu and Buddhist communities of the Tarai and hilly regions. It’s a time marked by family gatherings, feasts, and rituals symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

One of the festival’s most anticipated aspects is the preparation of ‘chaku’, a traditional sweet made from molasses, sesame seeds, and ghee. The sweet is known for its rich taste and high nutritional value. It’s often consumed alongside ‘til’ (sesame seeds) and ‘gud’ (jaggery) during Maghe Sankranti. 

The process of making chaku involves boiling sugarcane juice to extract molasses, which is then carefully heated and mixed with sesame seeds and ghee. The mixture is poured onto a flat surface to cool, then cut into small pieces.

Although the results are sweet, the process of making molasses is long and labor-intensive.

“Not many people have the time to make it themselves. You need a lot of patience for it. It’s becoming difficult to find the skill required to prepare the treat,” says Maharjan. “This occupation is not just a business but also a traditional and cultural heritage,” he adds. According to him, this is the only chaku-making establishment in Lalitpur Metropolitan City. “As this tradition is on the verge of extinction, everyone should work to promote and preserve it, as it is an integral part of our culture.”

Maghe Sankranti is also a time for ritual baths, temple visits, and prayers for health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. As families celebrate, the air fills with the sweet aroma of freshly made molasses, making the festival a joyful occasion for all.

In a dazzling display of colors and culture, Pokhara has come alive with the first-ever International Balloon Festival, organized by Nepal Balloon Pvt Ltd. The festival, held across a 3-kilometer stretch from Lauruk to Chankhapur in Pame, marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s adventure tourism sector. With participation from 30 commercial balloon companies across the globe, the event coincides with Christmas and New Year, offering locals and visitors an unforgettable experience of soaring over the picturesque Pokhara valley.

President of Nepal Balloon, Bikram Bade, shared that the festival aims to position Nepal as a global adventure tourism destination while revitalizing the tourism industry post-covid. Mayor Dhanraj Acharya expressed similar enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of such events in enriching Pokhara’s tourism calendar.

Visitors can witness stunning morning, afternoon, and evening flights led by professional pilots, including renowned Dutch pilot Pieter Kooistra, who is making his Nepal debut. Each flight offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri ranges, with balloon rides lasting approximately 40 minutes.

Kooistra has completed 3,000 hot air balloon flights. Describing his experience on his first flight in Nepal, he expressed his happiness to be in Pokhara, as he told ApEx. He also mentioned that if the weather is perfect, flying around Pokhara would be a lovely experience, with the stunning mountain ranges.

The festival isn’t just about flights. Night balloon glows, 20-minute daily fireworks displays, balloon races, and cultural performances enrich the experience. Attendees can enjoy food stalls, live music, DJ sets, and even night camps.

As Dashain approaches, excitement and anticipation fill the air across the Himalayan nation. Families are busy preparing, with around 60–70 percent planning to travel to their hometowns for the much-cherished festival.

Local markets are bustling with activity, transforming into vibrant hubs of celebration. Stalls overflow with bright new clothes—traditional sarees, daura suruwal, and festive accessories. Shoppers move energetically, selecting the perfect outfits for the auspicious days ahead.

Street vendors call out, showcasing an array of fresh produce and decorative items for the Dashain puja, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Friends and families chat animatedly, sharing plans and stories as they shop. Children giggle, trying on new clothes and picking out gifts for their elders.

However, the Nepal Rastra Bank’s distribution of old, clean notes instead of crisp new ones has led to some dissatisfaction among the public.

This vibrant scene captures the essence of Dashain—a time of togetherness, joy, and cultural pride. As preparations continue, the spirit of the festival shines brightly, reminding everyone of the joy that awaits.

The Himalayan nation of Nepal faced catastrophic floods and landslides just two days ago, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall across the region. 

Bhumidada, a locality in Panauti Municipality, approximately 32 km southeast of the capital, Kathmandu, experienced severe impacts from Friday to Sunday due to the continued downpour. 

The collapse of roads and numerous houses has left many residents in Bhumidada in despair. At least four people have lost their lives, and many others have sustained injuries in the disaster.

Local residents have started the arduous task of cleaning their homes and salvaging belongings from the mud. 

In the wake of this tragedy, community members have expressed frustration with the government’s inadequate response in managing electricity, water sources, and relief efforts, even several days after the floods.

According to Jay Ram KC, chairperson of Panauti-12, efforts to secure relief supplies, food, temporary shelters, and electricity for the locals are underway. He noted that the director general of the water resource management committee is aware of the challenges. KC emphasized the urgent need for assistance in the affected areas.

Nepal’s urban landscape is experiencing a vibrant cultural revival, with street art becoming a powerful medium to celebrate the nation's rich heritage. In Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and along the road to Bhaktapur. Professional artists are turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary tributes to Nepalese culture.

One of the most striking displays is found on the overhead bridge leading to Bhaktapur. Here, murals depict intricate patterns and traditional symbols such as the lotus flower and ancient deities, celebrating Nepal’s spiritual heritage. In Lalitpur’s narrow alleys, the artwork is a blend of contemporary flair and classical motifs, creating a visual dialogue between past and present. Each alleyway becomes a living gallery, inviting passersby to immerse themselves in the cultural narrative.

Kathmandu’s Sundhara area has also been transformed into a canvas of cultural expression. Walls now feature elaborate mandalas and vibrant depictions of local folklore, showcasing the city’s artistic vibrancy. These art projects are supported by community groups and cultural organizations, highlighting the role of street art in preserving and promoting Nepali traditions.

This burgeoning street art scene not only beautifies the urban environment but also strengthens cultural pride and identity across Nepal.

Sampada Ghimire was crowned Miss Universe Nepal 2024, emerging victorious over 21 other contestants at the age of just 17. She will now have the honor of representing Nepal at the 73rd Miss Universe Global competition in Mexico.

Smriti Singh was named the first runner-up, while Akshita Chhetri, Karin Murray, and Sujal Bam secured the second, third, and fourth places, respectively. During the finale, Ghimire was asked by Captain Rameshwar Thapa, president of the jury and chairperson of Annapurna Media Network, “How do you view the relationship between spiritual awareness, a happy Nepali people, and a prosperous Nepal, and what impact do you believe this will have on Nepal’s overall development?”

Ghimire responded, “I deeply cherish spirituality. Nepal, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the messenger of peace, is a spiritual land. By spreading peace to the world, we can ensure Nepal’s prosperity and development.” Her heartfelt response was met with applause from the audience.

The Nepali edition of the globally renowned beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nepal 2024, concluded with great grandeur. The competition featured a diverse group of contestants, including those who are deaf, doctors, engineers, pilots, and other professionals, making the event truly special.

Ghimire, who is working in digital marketing for an American company, has ambitious plans to focus on debate, advocacy, and raising public awareness about wildlife protection. “I am passionate about learning new things, I believe in dreaming big and working hard. I love animals and aim to advocate for wildlife conservation,” she said.

The jury for the finale consisted of prominent figures who have contributed significantly to Nepali society, including Nepali Congress leader Mahalakshmi Upadhyay (Dina), Annapurna Media Network Chairperson Capt Thapa, former Miss Universe Nepal Sophia Bhujel, former Miss Nepal Isani Shrestha, Goldstar Executive Director Vidushi Rana, Shivam Cement Chairman Gaurav Goyal, and reviewer Sharda Sanghai.

Capt Thapa praised the participants, saying, “The performance of these young Nepali women is truly commendable. They presented themselves with great power and pride, and it’s something we should all celebrate.” NC leader Upadhyay echoed this sentiment, remarking, “Life is a journey. Success comes when we move forward with determination.”

Miss Universe Nepal 2024 CEO Sabi Puri and mentor singer Indira Joshi also expressed their joy in supporting the contestants behind the scenes. Annapurna Media Network was the official media partner for the event.

The Newar community of Lalitpur celebrated the Bhimsen Jatra festival with great enthusiasm on Tuesday. During the festival, devotees carry palquine to the places where the statue of Bhimsen is located. While passing through Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, devotees carry palquine and burn incense sticks.

The Bhimsen Jatra festival is celebrated in Patan every year on the midnight of the ninth day of the Bhadra Krishna Pachaya.

God Bhimsena is said to be the god of commerce and industry, and fortune. People from the business sector worship God Bhimsena believing it will bring prosperity to their businesses.

The worship on the day of ‘Bhimsen Jatra’ begins with the priest bringing down the idol of the Lord from the third floor of the three-storeyed temple in Mangal Bazaar in Patan and then fixing it on the chariot, which is set ready for the outing of the main deity.

Then the devotees carry the deity on shoulder poles across town with musical bands playing traditional Newari devotional music. Some sing devotional songs all through the journey till the chariot is brought back to the temple.

July marks Disability Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and advocating for their rights. By fostering a culture of understanding and support, Disability Awareness Month aims to break down barriers and ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in society.

Palesha Govardhan, a differently-abled parataekwondo athlete, is set to compete in the Paris Paralympics in 2024 for the second time. Palesha got a gold medal after defeating Iran’s Lelia Mirzaee in the final of the Asian Qualification Tournament for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. According to Kabiraj Negi Lama, the National Para Taekwondo Coach and also Palesha’s coach, unstable government is a reason for the lack of growth in sports. For stalwart players like Palesha, it can mean missed opportunities. 

According to the Nepal Federation of Disabled Census of 2021, 2.2 percent of the Nepali population has some form of disability. Among the male population, 2.5 percent have disability, and two percent of the female population have some disability.

Twenty-eight-year-old Ashmita Rai and 30-year-old Bishnu Pukar Shrestha are two differently-abled individuals who work at the Bodhisattvas in Action (BIA) Institute, an NGO where more than 260 differently-abled people are employed. Rai and Shrestha both work in the Nepali Thanka section of the institute. They are both wheelchair-bound. Rai was injured while playing on a swing in a park, and Shrestha fell while working on a construction site, resulting in spinal cord injuries. Performing for the first time at a wheelchair pageant, Rai expressed her happiness and said she hopes to be independent in the future. 

According to Gokarna Dhungana, the executive director of the Bodhisattvas in Action (BIA) Institute, only a few institutes, NGOs, or INGOs in Nepal provide skill development training for differently-abled people. To help differently-abled people realize their potential and be confident, the institute hosts various games, competitions, and fashion pageants. 

Not only human beings but animals with disabilities face unique challenges, adapting with resilience and often benefiting from human care and support systems tailored to their needs. Disabilities in animals can arise from various factors, impacting mobility, sensory abilities, and overall quality of life.

Radha Gurung, a dedicated volunteer, has spent the past six years at Animal Nepal’s dog rescue and treatment center. She says many people abandon their pets on the streets after they become disabled, leaving them to fend for themselves in harsh conditions. “Many animals get into traffic accidents, leading to numerous disabilities,” she adds. 

Embracing the spirit of Disability Awareness Month, we should strive to create a world where every being, human or animal, can live with dignity and without barriers.