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“I’m in love with Kathak,” said dancer Subima Shrestha, who began teaching the dance form at Nritya Aangan in 2009. Kathak, rooted in Sanskrit, is derived from the phrase, ‘Katha Kahe so Kathak Kehelawe’ in Hindi, which translates to ‘the one who tells a story is a Kathak.’ It’s one of the simplest forms of storytelling, historically performed by communities like the Banjara in Northern India, who were believed to belong to a caste of storytellers. These performers narrated tales across different regions, embedding cultural and spiritual narratives in their art.

Shrestha explains that Kathak evolved as a medium of devotion, recounting mythological tales of deities like Ram and Sita. Over time, during the Mughal era, it became an expression of aestheticism, with its graceful movements transitioning into a form of courtly entertainment. However, under British rule, Kathak was suppressed and nearly vanished from practice.

After independence, Kathak had a resurgence. Shrestha recalls learning about Kathak’s rich history which, she says, deepened her respect and love for the dance form. “Kathak isn’t just a dance form for me. There’s a love there I can’t describe,” she says.

She was a teenager when she joined a Kathak class at Padma Kanya Campus in Kathmandu, Nepal. Though her memories of her initial experiences are hazy, she vividly remembers meeting her teacher, Guru Honey Shrestha, who became a significant influence. He not only nurtured her talent but also encouraged her to pursue professional dance education in India, which was a turning point in her Kathak journey.

During her early years as a student in India, she also taught Kathak as a private tutor to support herself. Reflecting on her time there, Subima observes a stark difference in the foundational understanding of Kathak between India and Nepal. “The basic level we learn here in Nepal is already inherent knowledge for most students in India,” she says. To illustrate, she offers a culinary analogy: “Just as Nepalis are experts in making diverse varieties of momo, Indians have a deeper understanding of Kathak.”

She also admires the discipline and ideology that she found more prevalent in India, essential traits for mastering Kathak. “The most important aspect is to feel and give your best through your heart and body and to live with it,” she says. This philosophy, she adds, is the cornerstone of not just learning Kathak but embodying it as a way of life.

Recalling her first performance before formally joining a Kathak class, Shrestha shares a cherished memory of dancing on the show ‘Pratibha Ko Dabali’. The program, which aired on Nepal Television in 1989 showcasing a variety of talents, had been a dream platform for her.

She recollects how her parents had signed her up for the performance, celebrating her passion for dance. “They even had my costume ready,” she says, still amazed at how everything fell into place, though she had no idea where the outfit came from. That moment—her debut performance—remains one of her happiest memories. It’s a vivid reminder of the joy and encouragement she received from her family.

Traditionally, Kathak is a storytelling dance form centered on divine tales, but Shrestha had difficulties envisioning the gods while following the steps her guru taught her. Initially, this made it difficult for her to connect deeply with Kathak. But soon she began to reinterpret Kathak in her own unique way, focusing on human stories and real-life issues. “I still find it hard to imagine gods while dancing. I have to force myself to do it where necessary,” she admits.

But Kathak is a competitive space. Your biggest competition is you, says Shrestha. The dance form demands a lot of physical, mental, and emotional involvement. “One thing you should never do, as a dancer and otherwise, is compare yourself and your progress with others.”

Kathak, she says, has reshaped how she thinks of herself and views the world around her. “Engaging in any form of art—whether drawing, singing, or any other creative expression—is essential because art has always been an integral part of our lives. It’s not just a choice but a fundamental right, enriching our existence and fostering self-expression. Everyone should embrace some form of art for a meaningful and fulfilling life,” she says. 

Reflecting on her past, she admits that she feels a sense of sadness and guilt. “If I could go back, I would have practiced more,” she says. She recognizes there is still a lot of room for growth and improvement. Looking ahead, she has a clear vision of where she wants to be and is actively working towards it, though there is a fair bit of worry and doubt of whether she is approaching things the right way. 

Despite having regrets of missed opportunities in the past, she embraces her journey with hope and resolve. With a clear vision for the future, she remains committed to her growth, navigating challenges with determination and an unwavering belief in her potential.

A passenger jeep met with an accident at Jakhauli in Hariharpur Gadhi Rural Municipality-2 of  Sindhuli on Jan 5. The accident resulted in the death of 20-year-old local resident, Kailash Rai, who succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Chure Hill Hospital in Hetauda. Two other injured passengers are currently receiving treatment.

In another incident, a scooter rider lost his life in a road accident in Sanothimi in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-2 of Bhaktapur on December 30. Nischal Prakash Rajbhandari (31) of Sanothimi died while undergoing treatment at Norvic Hospital. The accident occurred when Nischal’s scooter skidded while trying to avoid a stray dog on the road. His wife Puja Shrestha (28), who was riding pillion, is currently under treatment.

Two years ago, Madhu Nepal from Palpa suffered severe injuries at Shankar Nagar of Butwal when his motorcycle collided with a pickup van coming from the opposite direction. Nepal, who had just returned after spending 10 years in Korea, was airlifted to Medicity Hospital in Bhaisepati for treatment. Despite spending over Rs 2.8m on multiple surgeries for his head injury, his life has never been the same. “Nothing is like before,” Nepal said. “The impact of accidents is devastating.”

Rising accident rates have claimed lives of people from all age groups, from young children to the elderly. The trauma and pain inflicted on families of accident victims are devastating. Those who survive with serious injuries often face a lifetime of hardship. Many are forced to live with disabilities caused by these accidents.

According to Nepal Police, 1,030 people have lost their lives in road accidents across the country in the first four months of 2024/25. A total of 13,442 road accidents were recorded during the period, resulting in 2,620 serious injuries and approximately 13,000 minor injuries. On average, 63 vehicle accidents occur daily, with 88 people getting injured and 7-10 losing their lives.

Nepal recorded 35,404 road accidents in 2023/24, resulting in 2,369 deaths and 6,160 serious injuries. Similarly, in 2022/23, 29,379 road accidents resulted in 2,883 deaths and 7,282 serious injuries. A total of 6,282 people died in road accidents over the past 28 months, averaging 225 deaths per month.

According to Kathmandu Valley Traffic Office, an average of four deaths occur in the valley every day. In the first five months of 2024/25, the valley witnessed 2,045 vehicle accidents, resulting in 75 deaths, 100 serious injuries and 2,758 minor injuries. Among the deceased, the majority were above 36 years old (41 people), followed by those between 17-35 years (30 people) and under 16 years(four deaths).

DSP Dipak Giri from the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Office told ApEx that most accidents occur during daylight hours. Two-wheelers are most frequently involved in accidents, followed by jeeps, cars, vans, buses, and microbuses, he added.

According to traffic police, overconfidence of drivers is an important factor behind rising numbers of road accidents. High speed, driving under influence, mechanical failures of motor vehicles, overtaking and negligence of pedestrians are the other reasons behind rising cases of road accidents. 

Between 200 to 300 people face penalties for drunk driving and speeding every day, police records show.

“Whether it is the families of those who died in accidents or those who were seriously injured, they face immense hardships. Accidents would naturally decrease if drivers remained vigilant while operating vehicles on the road,” DSP Giri said. “Pedestrians must also stay alert while walking on the roads. For those riding pillion on motorcycles or scooters, wearing helmets can reduce the impact even if an accident occurs.”

According to Nepal Police Spokesperson Bishwa Adhikari, the accident rates are rising in line with increasing vehicle imports and usage. “This trend is not unique to Nepal but is global, corresponding with increasing urbanization,” he said. “Nepal’s diverse geography presents unique challenges. Mountain roads are narrow and inherently risky, while Terai roads often run through settlements where high speeds lead to accidents.” Adhikari added that factors such as weather conditions, road construction quality and vehicle mechanical issues also contribute to accidents.

“There are numerous causes including drunk driving, speeding, and carelessness. The key factor in reducing accidents is the driver themselves,” Adhikari said. “If every person becomes a responsible driver, such incidents would decrease significantly.”

Normal life in Mahottari district has been adversely affected due the cold wave which continued for five days. The decreasing temperature has taken a toll on people’s movement.

Even the livestock and crops are negatively impacted with plummeting temperatures coupled with cold waves, fog and cloud, according to Birendra Sharma from Jaleshwor-7.

People’s movement is sparse at district headquarters, Jaleshwor. The vehicles are also operated in less numbers.

In the wake of rising cold, the sales of warm clothes have, however, surged in the market.

Similarly, a tea seller Umesh Sah from Jaleshwor Municipality-1 informed that people throng tea shops to take hot soup and scalded tea. Selling tea is on rise, he shared.

Similarly, district health offices and hospitals have witnessed dismal visits of patients.

The locals began making fire to keep themselves warm. The decline in temperature has hit the children, elderly ones and women in postpartum hard. 

Annapurna Media Network is to organize a bicycle rally on February 8 on the occasion of the World Cancer Day with an aim to raise awareness against this chronic disease.

World Cancer Day is celebrated every year on February 8 to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

Annapurna Media Network has been organizing a bicycle rally every year since 2015 to raise public awareness against cancer.

So far, 20,000 people have participated in the bicycle rally. The slogan for this year’s rally is “Ride for Life”.

“Scientists around the world have been conducting intensive research for the drugs to treat cancer patients. But no medicines have been developed to completely cure cancer till now. Hence, in this situation it is important to raise awareness for the control of this disease,” Annapurna Media Network General Manager Manoj Basnet said. “That is why we have been organizing a bicycle every year to raise awareness against cancer as part of our social responsibility.”

The Network said that it has been organizing this program every year to raise awareness against Cancer, which has been spreading as a terrible disease in recent times, as it can be completely cured if detected and treated on time.

The Network has also started a free cervical cancer screening campaign from this year.

It has also called upon all to participate in the campaign to raise awareness against cancer.

Those who are interested in participating in the rally can fill up the form by clicking on this link. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkdUm_BHo3FOVX5AREn0RN3-KzBgrG1MLxBS4jvCaAhMj4Gg/viewform

Likewise, you can call on Network’s phone number: 014112031 (3728) to register the name for the cycle rally.