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Sima Poudel, a college student, relies on public transportation to reach her college. For her, it is the most exhausting part of her day.

“You rarely find a bus on time, and even if you do, it is overcrowded,” she says.

Poudel’s personal struggle with public transport represents the reality faced by most public transport commuters in Kathmandu.

According to findings of the Asian Transport Outlook (ATO), 2023, Scoping Urban Transport in Kathmandu, high access to bus stops does not necessarily translate into high transit mode share. While 56 percent of the Kathmandu population lives within walking distance of public transportation, only  28 percent actually use public or informal transit. This mismatch can be attributed to several factors, including poor service, overcrowding, safety and comfort. Limited investment in public transport has hindered the much-needed improvements, leaving the system inefficient and frustrating for passengers.

This extends beyond discomfort. For many women, public transports are a space of vulnerability.
Anjila Pokharel recalls the long-lasting effect of harassment on the bus, which affected her daily work life. While travelling from her home to Sundhara, she experienced inappropriate behaviour from a middle-aged man that triggered fear and long-term anxiety.

“That incident had a lasting impact on my mental health,” she shares. “I used  to feel terrified afterwards, and the memory of that haunted me for a long period.”

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), sexual harassment can result in severe mental health consequences, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and trauma. This all can significantly alter how survivors engage with public life. 

Although the International Association of Public Transport, a worldwide association representing all local public transport stakeholders, states that public transport offers equal opportunities to all citizens, regardless of their social standing, the reality in Nepal tells a different story. While buses and microbuses may physically connect people, they often fail to ensure a safe and equitable environment for everyone.

Sabina Rai witnessed a conductor yelling at an old passenger who was confused about the bus route. “It was upsetting to watch the conductor telling off a person double his age,”Rai recalls. When another person tried to intervene, the conductor continued his rude behavior. The incident shows that public transport operators and their staff are not concerned with the safety and comfort of passengers. 

Public transports are supposed to be accessible and affordable, but the reality is entirely different in Nepal. Even the elderly and disabled are not accorded the respect and care they deserve. Designated seats for seniors and disabled are often ignored.

Bivek Limbu, who lost one of his legs in a motorcycle accident, says a lack of disabled-friendly transport has made his traveling experience very difficult.
“I travel daily from Bhaktapur to Chabahil, but it's difficult getting into and off a bus,” he says. According to the Nepal Census 2021, 2.2 percent of the Nepali population lives with some form of disability, and for them, navigating public transport is often exclusionary. Limbu’s experience showcases daily struggles faced by people with disabilities who are forced to adopt a system that was never built for them

Another pressing but under-discussed issue is the lack of proper CCTV surveillance in public vehicles. 

This absence makes theft, assault, and misconduct go unchecked. Reema BK once left her purse on a bus. While she was able to find the bus with the help of traffic police,  her belongings were never recovered. “While it is the responsibility of passengers to take care of their items, sometimes the level of security and accountability must also be ensured,” BK says.

While Nepal struggles with poorly regulated public transport, its neighbouring country India has made notable progress in the past years. In order to reduce harassment cases, Delhi Metro has introduced CCTV surveillance, panic buttons, and safety protocols that make commuting safer. Additionally, many buses are equipped with digital payment systems and a tracking app to ensure reliability. 

While in Nepal, only a small number of buses have adopted these practices. These successful initiatives from South-Asian countries can serve as a model for Nepal to reduce problematic concerns over public transport efficiency and safety.

The public transport problem not only affects the passengers, but also its staff members. Shyam Kumar Shrestha says that his brother has been working as a nighttime driver along the Butwal–Kathmandu route. “Despite working long, grueling hours, his wages are often delayed,” he says. Exploitation of drivers, conductors and maintenance workers by transport operators ultimately affects service quality and passenger safety.
While discussing the problems of public transport, concerned authorities focus on the surface-level issues, such as overcrowded buses or traffic congestion. But improving public transport also requires inclusive planning that prioritises both individual needs and the collective welfare of people.

The story of Prince Mahasattva is one of the most profound narratives in the Jataka tales, which recount the past lives of the Buddha. In this moving account, the young prince encounters a starving tigress and her cubs on the brink of death. Overcome by deep compassion, he selflessly offers his own body to save them, embodying unconditional love and the ultimate act of sacrifice to relieve suffering.

For centuries, Bhadawan Danda in Panauti has been a sacred site where Buddhist folklore, local legends, and ancient rituals—such as worship, meditation, and festivals—have honored the birthplace of Na:Ma Buddha, the selfless prince who gave his life for the tigress and her cubs. Around 6,000 years ago, this region was part of the ancient city of Panchal Nagari, ruled by King Maharath, a descendant of Dirgharat. His majestic palace stood at Bhagawan Danda in Toukhal, northwest of present-day Panauti in Kavre district. King Maharath and Queen Satyavati had three sons: Mahadev, Mahapranava, and Mahasattva.

Over time, earthquakes, epidemics, and climate changes reduced the once-glorious Panchal Palace to ruins. By the 12th century, during the reign of King Anand Dev of the Malla dynasty, the settlement had shifted near Triveni and became known as Pala:ti (later Panauti). The abandoned ruins gradually transformed into fertile farmland, while the palace site remained a place of reverence. As debris accumulated, a sacred mound formed, later called Bhagawan Danda.

Devotees visiting the holy burial site of Na:Ma Buddha on Hiranya Gandhaman Mountain also pay homage at Bhagawan Danda, offering ghee lamps and incense during festivals and ancestral anniversaries. During the Malla period, the Na:Ma Buddha festival was institutionalized, with the establishment of Na:Ma Buddha Dho:Chhen (Goddess House) at Nhu Baha in Panauti. The tradition of lighting lamps at Bhagawan Danda, marking the birthplace of Prince Mahasattva, also began in this era.

For decades, pilgrims from across Nepal and beyond gathered here to offer lamps. However, due to declining local engagement, lack of promotion, and the disruptions of armed conflict, these sacred practices waned. As spiritual connections faded, Panauti Municipality encroached on the land, constructing an office building. Within its grounds, a small stupa was later erected—either in memory of Prince Mahasattva or as a tribute to Buddhahood.

Na:Ma Buddha remains a site of immense spiritual significance, akin to Mecca for Muslims or Jerusalem for Christians. Locals frequent it for personal rituals, while Buddhists worldwide journey here to honor their ancestors. Historically, pilgrims from Tibet, China, Mongolia, Taiwan, and India have visited, drawn by the site’s sacred legacy—a tradition that continues to grow as awareness spreads.

Reviving the cherished practice of lighting lamps at Bhagawan Danda not only honors Prince Mahasattva’s sacrifice but also perpetuates the spirit of Avayadan (selfless giving). By reshaping Panauti Municipality’s architecture with imagery of Panchal Durbar, we can rekindle local pride and share the profound legacy of Na:Ma Buddha. In doing so, we uphold the values of peace and harmony, inspiring future generations and fostering global unity.

It’s the season of lychees, summer’s most refreshing and delicious fruit. The small tropical fruit that is reminiscent of a combination of strawberry, pear, and watermelon is juicy and sweet, almost like nature’s readymade dessert. The sad thing is that lychee season doesn’t last long so we must make the most of it. The luscious fruit can be consumed in a variety of interesting ways. Here we give you five simple ideas to enjoy this nature’s limited-time bounty in the best possible way.

Lychee cooler

Lychees make for great drinks. You can deseed the fruit and grind the pulp into a smooth paste and use it as a base for many cocktails and mocktails. A really easy drink recipe is to combine lychee juice (you can blend the pulp with water for this) with some lime juice, shredded ginger, and soda. Pour this mixture in a tall glass filled with ice, garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy.

Lychee lassi

If you want a slightly denser or filling drink with lychees, look no further than this lychee lassi recipe. It’s delicious and will keep you full for a few hours. Take one cup of fresh lychees and mix it with a cup of yogurt. Pour in a cup of regular water or coconut water depending on your preference. Add one fourth teaspoon of grated ginger, three teaspoons of sugar, and one third teaspoon of salt. Blend all the ingredients along with six ice cubes in a blender till you get a smooth, creamy paste. Pour into a glass, decorate the rim with a slice of pineapple or watermelon, and enjoy.

Filled treats

Gently deseed the lychees without breaking open the fruit. You can make a small cut at the top or bottom and push the seed out. Once that is done, fill the lychee with cream or ice cream of your choice. Garnish with crushed dried fruits like almonds and walnuts and you have a delicious treat ready. You can also fill the lychees with pecans and macadamia nuts if you prefer a slightly healthier version of the treat. You can also enjoy this like a dessert.

Fruit cocktail

A bowl of refreshing summer fruits is a great thing to indulge in during the day. Not only does it look nice and appetizing, it’s also incredible to keep you hydrated and satiated. Mix two cups of fresh, peeled lychees with one cup cut papaya, two cups of fresh pineapple, one cup seedless grapes, halved, and one fourth cup shredded coconut. Refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to blend and serve. This recipe will make for six small servings. Garnish with coconut and mint.

Easy breezy ice cream

This recipe needs just three ingredients and you don’t need any special equipment for it either. A great hack if you want a quick treat is pouring lychee juice over store-bought vanilla ice cream but if you have a few minutes to spare then we recommend you make this delicious recipe to get the best out of lychee season. Blend two cups of lychees with a cup of cream and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract and freeze for four hours. Take it out and give it another blitz in the blender and refreeze for another four hours before serving.

It’s getting hotter by the day and with it we are facing a range of problems, like discomfort, lethargy, and increased thirst. But one thing that often goes unnoticed till it escalates and becomes unavoidable is the damage it does to our skin. From excessive tanning and dryness to clogged pores and shiny skin, there are many issues that the hot and humid months bring about and it’s important to adjust your regular skincare routine according to the weather. However, being mindful of some simple things can help tackle these problems and give you clear, glowing skin.

Don’t over cleanse

Since the humidity tends to make our skin oily, most of us end up cleansing or washing it whenever we can. Some people even wash their faces almost three to four times a day besides wiping their foreheads and cheeks with a handkerchief or tissue whenever it feels oily. The trick is to only wash your face once or twice a day and gently dab the oil with oil blotting sheets when it feels excessively oily. Wash your face with a mild cleaner every morning and evening. You can also skip the cleanser and just wash your face with plain water in the morning and use the cleanser in the evening only. It might take a little bit getting used to but over time, your skin will adjust to this pattern and regulate its oil production.

Use a lightweight moisturizer

Many people tend to skip the moisturizer during the summer months thinking it will make their skin even more oily but the fact is that using a moisturizer is crucial all year round. It helps lock in moisture and maintain and protect the skin’s natural barrier. Moisturizers also protect your skin from environmental stressors like sun damage, heat, and pollution. Did you know that dehydrated skin is more prone to breakouts and acne? Opt for a lightweight moisturizer according to your skin type. Look for gel or cream based moisturizers that are non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Use a moisturizer after cleansing your face, every morning and night and put on a generous amount and gently rub it in. Doing this religiously will fix most of your skin issues over time.

Get a good sunblock

We all know the importance of sunscreen and that it should be used throughout the year. But to be honest we aren’t very disciplined about it, are we? It’s imperative to use sunscreen during the summer months and to do so without fail, even when you are staying indoors. Wearing sunscreen is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin. It prevents sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. For daily use, pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you spend more time outdoors, pick one that has SPF 60 or more. A half a teaspoon is enough to cover your face and neck. If you use a broad spectrum sunscreen, the order in which you use it doesn’t really matter. Some people find it easier to use sunscreen below makeup or moisturizer. You can do what you feel works best for you.

Exfoliate, regularly but gently

Exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells, prevent clogged pores, and get clear skin. But during the summer, you have to be careful while exfoliating as your skin tends to become more sensitive due to exposure to harsh sun rays. Don’t exfoliate more than once or twice a week and overdoing this can lead to sensitivity and dryness. Don’t exfoliate immediately after sun exposure. If you have been out in the sun, wait until it’s evening to exfoliate. Use circular motions while exfoliating and don’t scrub too hard as it can damage your skin. Choose mild exfoliants that work for your skin type. Chemical exfoliants such as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) which gently dissolve dead skin cells are much better than harsh physical rubs like those containing walnuts or other such ingredients.

Pay attention to details

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around your eyes during the summer months. Use a good eye cream with SPF. The same goes for your lips as well. Don’t neglect this sensitive part of your face. Protect your lips from the sun’s damaging rays by choosing a lip balm that has SPF 30 or higher. You can also exfoliate your lips once a week using a DIY sugar scrub. You can find many easy ideas for scrubs on YouTube and Instagram. You can also opt for a moisturizer that has SPF in it if a moisturizer and sunscreen feels like too much. If possible, wear little makeup or avoid it all together. You can use a tinted moisturizer to give your face that dewy glow without using other makeup products.