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Partly cloudy weather prevails across the country with a possibility of mist and fog over the Tarai region today.

Later tonight, the weather will continue to remain partly cloudy across the country. 

Furthermore, mist and fog is likely to be prevalent over the Tarai, says the 24-hour weather forecast released by the Weather Forecasting Division this morning.

Meteorological Analysis by the Division also shows that there is some influence of Westerly wind across the country.

At the call of the United Nations, the World Meditation Day is being observed across the globe, including Nepal today.

To raise awareness about meditation and its benefits, the UN General Assembly last year proclaimed December 21 as World Meditation Day, recalling the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is scheduled to host an event at Sainik Manch Tundikhel in Kathmandu this morning. 

Similarly, a group meditation program including interaction on various aspects of meditation is being held at Brahmananda Saraswati Gram in Bosan, Dakshinkali Municipality-1. 

Marking the occasion, various other stakeholders bodies are also hosting a variety of programs today.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the significant benefits of meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation. 

The WHO's discussions on stress management underscore the importance of learning coping mechanisms, such as meditation, to support mental and physical well-being.

According to WHO, meditation can be a powerful self-care tool to support treatment and enhance overall well-being, particularly in managing symptoms of anxiety. 

Incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine, even for just a few minutes, can help you achieve a sense of calm and focus. 

Additionally, WHO acknowledges the mental health benefits of practices like yoga, which often incorporate meditative elements.

A public holiday has been declared across the Sudurpaschim Province today on the occasion of the Bhuwa parba or festival. 

Bhuwa parba is an original and historic cultural festival observed in the province.

The Sudurpaschim Province Government today decided to close all government offices and public institutions in the province to celebrate the festival.

This festival, which is celebrated with special significance particularly in Bajura, Bajhang and Achham, is associated with the legend of the Mahabharata epic during the Dwapara Yuga. 

According to religious beliefs, this festival is celebrated in joy of the victory that the Pandavas achieved over the Kauravas in the battle of the Mahabharata.

Dil Bahadur Budha, former ward chairperson of Shuklaphanta Municipality-11, said that the traditional dance performed during this festival is considered a symbol of bravery. 

According to him, with the recent increase in migration from hilly districts to the Tarai, the vibrancy of this festival has also significantly grown in Kailali and Kanchanpur.

Special cultural programs of Bhuwa dance and Deuda dance, accompanied by singing, reflecting the uniqueness of the hill culture, are organized in urban areas as well, including Dhangadhi and Mahendranagar.

Budha said that this festival has strengthened the cultural unity between the hills and the Tarai.

"Bhuwa festival is not just entertainment, but it is observed as an enactment of battle in commemoration of legends and historical tales. This festival begins the day before Poush Krishna Aunsi (the new moon day in the month of Poush) and is celebrated joyfully for three to five days," he said.

According to him, as part of the Bhuwa celebration, men wear traditional clothes (white robe and turban) and carry a sword and shield in their hands and dance in a circle formation while enacting a battle scene, collectively demonstrating martial skills.

The weather across the country is expected to be predominantly clear today. 

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Weather Forecasting Division, during the daytime, partial cloud cover is anticipated in the Himalayan regions of Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces, while the remainder of the country will enjoy clear skies.

Furthermore, the department notes that tonight, there will be some cloudiness in the hilly areas of Sudurpashchim Province, but the rest of the country will primarily experience clear weather. 

The weather bulletin from the department also mentions that westerly winds will have a slight impact in Karnali and Sudurpashchim Provinces, with no significant weather systems affecting other regions.