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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.

On June 29, National Paddy Day, ‘Asar Pandra’, was celebrated in Bhaktapur marking the rice planting season despite a late onset of monsoon. Farmers and locals gathered in the fields, planted rice seedlings and engaged in playful mud fights. The tradition is believed to bring good luck. 

The festival also featured the sharing of beaten rice (chiura) mixed with yogurt (dahi), symbolizing the region’s agricultural heritage.

This year, the late monsoon posed significant challenges, with insufficient natural water sources for planting. Farmers had to pump water into their fields, increasing their workload and expenses. Despite these hurdles, the community’s resilience shone through.

“National Paddy Day is vital for us,” said a farmer. “We will do whatever it takes to ensure a good harvest.”

The celebration highlighted the enduring spirit of farmers and their deep connection to the land, upholding traditions amidst changing climatic conditions.