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Jurshital is an ancient folk festival celebrated across Madhes, akin to Holi, but with the joyous tradition of playing with mud instead of colors. This festival is observed annually before the advent of the New Year in the Bikram Sambat (BS) calendar. It is a social festival enjoyed by all, characterized by fun and merriment. Jurshital is neither entirely cultural nor religious; rather, it is a one-day festivity that brings people together in celebration.

The festival marks the beginning of the New Year in the spring season, a time when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, creating a soothing and pleasant atmosphere. It is widely celebrated by Maithili, Bhojpuri, Awadhi, and Tharu-speaking communities in southern Nepal, as well as in certain regions of neighboring India. Jurshital usually falls on April 14th or 15th each year, heralding the arrival of the New Year in the Bikram era.

Jurshital embodies a deep connection between nature and humanity. In today’s fast-paced world, people often struggle to appreciate the beauty of nature. As the poet William Wordsworth once wrote:

“The world is too much with us; we have no time to stand and stare.”

This festival serves as a reminder to reconnect with nature. The very name ‘Jurshital’ reflects this essence: ‘Jur’ means connection, and ‘Shital’ means coolness. It symbolizes staying calm and composed, even if just for a day. Playing with fresh, pure mud is believed to have medicinal benefits, acting as a natural remedy for skin ailments and stress.

One of the unique traditions of the festival is the act of seniors pouring cold water on the heads of juniors, signifying blessings and a wish for a calm and peaceful mind. This ritual strengthens social and cultural bonds within the community. Additionally, plants, trees, and animals are also included in the celebrations, as people pour pure and cool water over them early in the morning to maintain the ecosystem.

Jurshital begins with a local ritual called ‘Satuaiyan’ on the first day of Baisakh. The second day, Baisakh 2nd, is marked by the practice of seniors pouring water on juniors’ heads as a gesture of love and well-being. A significant aspect of the festival is the consumption of ‘Satua’, a flour made from roasted gram, which keeps the body cool and is rich in nutrients such as iron and magnesium. This medicinal diet is high in protein and low in sodium, making it an ideal breakfast choice.

Another traditional practice during Jurshital is giving the kitchen a break for a day. People eat food prepared the previous day, which is believed to be cooling for the body and mind. Delicacies such as cold curd-based curry, rice, ‘badi’ (sun-dried lentil dumplings), mango chutney, drumstick (‘Sohijan’) curry, and vegetable fritters are enjoyed. This practice also symbolizes respect for fire, as no cooking is done on the first day of Baisakh.

A significant cultural aspect of Jurshital is the performance of the folk drama ‘Salhesh’, which is especially popular among the Dushadh community. Salhesh, a revered figure in Madheshi folklore, is worshipped as a domestic deity by the Dushadh people, though members of other castes also participate in the festivities. The worship of Salhesh takes place in open spaces, usually under a ‘pipal’ tree on the outskirts of villages. The ritual involves offerings of rice, incense sticks, and sandalwood, among other sacred items.

A priest, embodying Salhesh, performs a trance-like ritual, chanting mantras and engaging in dramatic acts such as walking on the edge of a sword, which devotees believe is a manifestation of divine possession. He then showers flowers and rice upon the audience as a blessing before returning to normalcy.

In the past, the Dushadh community was considered a lower caste in the hierarchical caste system of Madhesh. However, in the present era of democracy and equality, caste-based discrimination has diminished, and the Dushadhs are now regarded as equal members of society. They actively participate in social activities without any distinctions.

In the fast-paced whirlwind of modern life, stress has become an unwelcome but constant companion. The pressure of responsibilities, digital overload, and emotional strain leave the mind restless and the body fatigued. But what if there was a way to silence the noise, restore balance, and awaken a deep sense of calm? Sirodhara, an ancient Ayurvedic therapy, offers a sanctuary of healing where warm herbal oils flow like liquid meditation, melting away tension and inviting profound relaxation.

Sirodhara is not just a treatment—it’s an experience, a ritual of rejuvenation that dates back to over 5,000 years to the wisdom of Ayurveda. The word itself—Siro (head) and Dhara (flow)—embodies its essence. There’s a continuous, gentle stream of warm oil dripping down over the forehead, particularly targeting the Ajna Chakra, or the third eye. This sacred region, located between the eyebrows, is believed to be the seat of intuition, consciousness, and mental clarity. In ancient times, sages and healers practiced this therapy to bring balance to the body’s energies, particularly Vata and Pitta, which govern the mind, nervous system, and emotions.

But beyond its spiritual significance, modern science now validates what Ayurveda has known for millennia—Sirodhara has profound effects on the nervous system, hormonal balance, and overall health. 

The journey of Sirodhara begins with stillness. As you lie comfortably on a specially designed table, surrounded by the faint aroma of healing herbs, the process unfolds like poetry. Warm oil, chosen specifically for your body type and needs, is poured in a continuous, hypnotic stream over your forehead—right at the Ajna chakra, the third eye. The oil glides in smooth, silken waves, washing away fatigue, dissolving tension, and lulling the nervous system into a tranquil state. Time drifts, thoughts fade, and what remains is pure, undisturbed peace.

From this writer’s personal experience, the sensation of warm sesame oil continuously flowing over his forehead and scalp was nothing short of transformative. The pressure and stress that he had been carrying in his head seemed to dissolve and flow down into his lower body. It felt like all the tension, once accumulated in his mind, was being released from his head, spreading throughout his body. After the Sirodhara, he took a steam bath, and it was as if all the remaining stress that had moved to his lower body was entirely removed. He highly recommends taking a steam bath after Sirodhara for a complete sense of relief and relaxation.

Sirodhara is deeply therapeutic, offering sanctuary to those burdened by chronic stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, and mental exhaustion. It calms the racing mind, regulates sleep cycles, and provides relief from the pressures of modern life. The therapy is also beneficial for the body, nourishing the scalp, strengthening hair roots, and improving circulation. 

One of the most remarkable benefits of Sirodhara is its ability to lower cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. Research has shown that Sirodhara naturally reduces cortisol levels, bringing the body back to a state of equilibrium. The warm oil, along with the rhythmic motion of the therapy, activates the parasympathetic nervous system—also known as the ‘rest and digest’ mode—slowing the heart rate, relaxing muscles, and promoting deep breathing. This results in a state of profound calm, reducing symptoms of anxiety and mental fatigue.

Sirodhara also stimulates the hypothalamus, regulating hormones, and promoting a natural sense of relaxation and mental clarity. It’s an effective remedy for sleep disorders, migraines, sinus-related headaches, and chronic stress, helping to restore balance and well-being. 

For optimal results, Sirodhara is best performed three times a month. However, it can also be done regularly as a part of a holistic wellness routine. Just like yoga and meditation, Sirodhara’s full effects are felt with consistent practice, enhancing mental clarity, regulating stress hormones, and improving sleep patterns over time.

Sirodhara is an art, a science, and a gift from the ancient past to the modern soul. It’s an invitation to step away from the rush, reconnect with yourself, and surrender to the healing touch of Ayurveda. 

At Swasthya Dental and Wellness Center, trained Ayurvedic practitioners customize the experience by selecting the finest herbal oils based on your dosha and health concerns. Whether you seek relief from stress, improved sleep, or enhanced mental clarity, Sirodhara offers a transformative journey of healing. As someone who has experienced this therapy, this writer can confidently say that it’s more than just a treatment—it’s a path to emotional balance, physical rejuvenation, and a deeper connection with yourself.

Every time we hear the term “alcohol” or “beer”, we often resonate it with addiction and health issues. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that in developing countries like Nepal, the beverage industry plays a pivotal role in economic development. This sector contributes significantly to employment generation, government revenue and tourism industry.

The alcohol industry is projected to become a billion dollar industry by 2025, including both in-home and out-home revenue. A report by World Travel And Tourism Council suggests that Nepal’s tourism sector generated Rs 327.9bn ($2.5bn) in revenue and supported 1.19m jobs directly and indirectly in 2022. In 2019, tourism contributed seven percent to Nepal’s GDP—much like the measured alcohol content that gives a beer its perfect kick. Even as pandemic sedated this vital sector, its upsurge now offers a unique opportunity to the alcohol industry to be able to cash in. Nepal can boost its economic flavor by intertwining beverage traditions with tourism.

The history of alcohol in Nepal has a close relation to its bioclimatic and ethnic diversity. For countless generations, several ethnic communities have been crafting and consuming fermented alcoholic beverages. Ethnicities such as Newar, Rai, Limbu, Tamang etc. consider alcohol an integral part of their tradition. People normally produce alcohol for local consumption and use it as a formal greeting during marriage and other occasions. Some households include a certain amount of alcohol into the fabric of daily life. In some communities, they are offered to guests and tourists that are prepared right in the household kitchen. A common form of drinks  called “raksi”, “aila” and “jaand” are made from the distillation of millet,rice or wheat, and are typically consumed.

Apart from the cultural contribution, there are families, making a living through production of local-alcohols. Domestically produced alcohols are cheaper as they skip labelling and branding, nevertheless, in reality they hold immense potential in gaining a premium market if launched with proper strategies.

In Nepal, the regulation on alcoholic beverages comes under “Madira Ain”. This law sets limitations in local production of alcohol because of branding, labelling and quality concerns. A lack of coordination can be seen between these governments and these communities. Much like the ongoing debate on the legalization of Marijuana, the indigenous alcohol’s are perceived as harmful to health whilst their massive economic benefits are overlooked. The legal alcohol industry still seems illegal as the regulations are not fostering authentic and local production while the international brands are being imported in heavy amounts. Although effective commercialization channels may be lacking, the locally produced alcoholic beverages are being recognized on the global stage. In 2018, “Raksi” was ranked 41th among the world’s 50 most delicious drinks.

However, commercializing local alcohol brands in Nepal faces several challenges, especially with the dominance of well-established competitors. Despite the presence of many Nepali beer industries producing and exporting outside the country, the lack of global recognition makes it difficult to compete. The challenge is further intensified by distribution barriers and consumer trust. Due to the lack of  consumer trust issues due to concerns about the quality of beverage and raw materials used, the local industries are unable to scale. Nevertheless, this can be reversed if the government comes together with the producers and incentivizes tourism-related alcohol production. Initially, making a strong capital investment is important, where visitors simultaneously experience the culture and  the products. After this, aiming for global expansion can change the course of the alcohol industry in Nepal. As we make a global recognition, the beverages will export our culture and promote tourism for good.

Moreover, these drinks include higher content of alcohol making it tough for commercialization to tourists who are generally accustomed to milder options like beer.

If we want to uplift national revenue, prioritizing the local production over the import of fancy beers is important. “Beerification” of  traditional alcoholic beverages such as: raksi, jaad and xyaang into internationally appealing products in Nepal can represent a transformative approach to rebranding our traditional alcohols. By rebranding these conventional drinks into premium beverages, our tourism industry will gain an edge over our neighbors. Visitors in Nepal seek experiences that celebrate our tradition and culture with authenticity. By presenting our unique, locally produced drinks, we celebrate our heritage while crafting unforgettable moments that enrich every traveler’s journey.

Upon navigating the  data from across the world, the contribution of the alcohol industry to their respective economy is quite remarkable. For example, the Scotch Whisky Association reported that the whisky industry supported Scotland with around 40,000 jobs and generated over £5.4bn in exports where whisky tourism alone added roughly £68.3m in annual revenue. Similar is the case of Ireland and its reputed beer industry.

In the USA, the reintroduction of legal beer during the Great Depression revitalized the nearly decimated beer industry, spurring job creation and rejuvenating local economies. As argued by Professor Jason E Taylor in his book, “The Brew Deal”, allowing 3.2 percent beer to return played a crucial role in the economy during the nation’s darkest of times. Having said that, comparison of Nepal with politically stable countries might not be fair, but Nepal can always capitalize on the ever-expanding alcohol industry bolstered by its tourism potential.

Much like the ongoing debate on legalizing marijuana for its beneficiary production commercialization, the indigenous alcohol production in Nepal is suppressed and stakeholders are brushing aside  its potential. The blend of the tourism industry with the flavor of local-alcohol can galvanize Nepal’s economy,especially in the post-pandemic era. Immense support from the government to promote “Aila”, “Jhaand” and “Raksi” is necessary, whereas, “Beerifying” the alcohol with the aim of diverse exposure and making subtle changes in marketing strategies can enhance our tourism industry as well as overall economy. 

The discovery of antibiotics revolutionized modern medicine, saving millions of lives. In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first widely used antibiotic, which marked the beginning of an era where bacterial infections became treatable. This breakthrough led to the development of various classes of antibiotics, significantly reducing mortality from bacterial diseases. However, even at the dawn of this discovery, Fleming foresaw a potential issue. In his 1945 Nobel Prize speech, he warned:

“But I would like to sound one note of warning. It is not difficult to make microbes resistant to penicillin in the laboratory by exposing them to concentrations not sufficient to kill them, and the same thing has occasionally happened in the body. There is the danger that the ignorant man may easily underdose himself and by exposing his microbes to non-lethal quantities of the drug make them resistant.”

His words were prophetic. Today, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health crisis, and we are witnessing the rise of so-called ‘superbugs’—bacteria that no longer respond to antibiotics. As microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of drugs that once effectively treated infections, standard treatments become ineffective, allowing diseases to persist and spread. This growing resistance is driven by a combination of factors, including the overuse of antibiotics in human medicine, excessive use in animal agriculture, poor infection control, and environmental contamination.

The emergence of superbugs has made treating infections increasingly difficult. Bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are causing longer illnesses, higher treatment costs, and increased mortality. The implications are alarming—routine surgeries, chemotherapy, and organ transplants rely on effective antibiotics, and the rise of resistant bacteria threatens the success of these procedures. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, AMR could lead to 10m deaths annually if urgent action is not taken. The economic burden is equally severe, with prolonged hospital stays and expensive alternative treatments straining healthcare systems. In agriculture, AMR reduces livestock productivity and increases foodborne illnesses, putting global food security at risk.

For decades, antibiotics were widely used in livestock not only for treating diseases but also for growth promotion. This practice allowed farmers to raise larger, faster-growing animals, meeting the demands of a growing population. However, the excessive use of antibiotics in animal agriculture contributed to the spread of resistance. In response, many countries have now banned or strictly regulated the use of antibiotics for growth promotion, encouraging alternatives such as probiotics and improved animal husbandry. Despite these efforts, antibiotic residues continue to pose a risk, as they persist in milk, meat, and eggs, potentially exposing consumers to low doses of antibiotics that further drive resistance. The issue extends beyond just the farm. When these residues enter the food chain, they create an environment where bacteria are constantly exposed to sublethal doses of antibiotics, increasing the chances of resistance developing and spreading.

Beyond hospitals and farms, antibiotic residues have seeped into the environment, creating an overlooked but serious AMR hotspot. Wastewater from hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, and livestock farms often carries antibiotic residues into rivers and other water bodies. These contaminated environments serve as breeding grounds for resistant bacteria, increasing the likelihood of AMR spreading through water sources, wildlife, and agricultural ecosystems. The presence of antibiotics in rivers not only affects aquatic organisms but also contributes to resistance genes being transferred between bacteria, making it even harder to control the spread. This environmental contamination, often ignored in AMR discussions, is a significant driver of resistance, highlighting why tackling this issue requires a broader approach.

As a veterinarian, I have seen the consequences of AMR in animal health and food production. Infected animals that once responded to treatment now require stronger antibiotics or do not recover at all. This affects both small-scale farmers and large industries, reducing productivity and increasing costs. The economic loss is particularly severe in low-income countries where access to effective antibiotics is already limited. In such regions, resistant infections in animals mean longer illness periods, decreased milk or meat production, and greater financial strain on farmers who depend on livestock for their livelihoods. The risk is not limited to agriculture—AMR in animals can directly impact humans. Resistant bacteria can transfer from animals to people through direct contact, consumption of contaminated food, or even through environmental exposure, making AMR a shared concern for human and animal health alike.

AMR cannot be solved by just focusing on human health and human antibiotic control—addressing its spread in animals and the environment is equally critical. The One Health approach recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are deeply linked, and addressing AMR requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. Responsible antibiotic use in healthcare, stricter regulations in livestock production, improved wastewater management, and sustainable agricultural practices must all be part of the solution. Veterinarians play a key role in this effort, ensuring that antibiotics are used responsibly in animals, educating farmers about alternative disease prevention strategies, and advocating for policies that reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.

Despite the challenges, there is hope. Many countries, including Nepal, have implemented national action plans to combat AMR, focusing on surveillance, regulation, and public awareness. Research into alternative treatments, such as phage therapy and antimicrobial peptides, is progressing, offering potential new solutions. Farmers and veterinarians are increasingly adopting better husbandry practices, including improved hygiene, vaccination programs, and nutritional management, reducing the need for antibiotics in the first place. However, change must happen faster. Awareness alone is not enough; coordinated global action is needed to slow down the spread of resistance before we lose one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine.

By taking a One Health approach and working together globally, we can help slow AMR and protect future generations from the looming threat of untreatable infections. The time to act is now, before Fleming’s warning turns into an irreversible reality. If we fail to control AMR, we risk entering a post-antibiotic era where common infections become deadly once again. As a veterinarian, I see the urgency of this issue every day, and I believe that only through a united effort—across human health, animal health, and environmental protection—can we hope to turn the tide against this silent pandemic.