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Muslims across the country are celebrating Edi-ul-Fitr with zest and zeal today.

The great festival of the Islamic community is being observed with great gaiety and gusto by reciting special Namaz, offering prayers in mosques, receiving blessings from the elders and giving blessings to juniors.

The festival marks the conclusion of a month-long fasting of the Muslims during the month of Ramadan, falls on the first day of the tenth month according to the Arabic calendar.

The festival is celebrated on the next day after the completion of the 30-day fast. Muslim Commission Chairperson Samim Mian Ansari shared that it was decided to celebrate Eid today as the moon was not sighted on Wednesday.

According to the Muslim religion, there are five pillars namely 'Roza', 'Zakat', 'Hajj', 'Namaz' and 'Kalama'.

Ramadan is considered a holy month. "Zakat (donation) is given in this month," he said, adding, "We consider this month to be the month of earning virtue" This festival is celebrated on Eid-ul-Fitr by eating 'Sevai' and offering Namaz collectively.

On this day, Muslims devotees converge mainly in the mosque or any outdoor location in the early morning for Eid prayer and break their fast feasting on delicacies.

Families and friends gather to mark the end of a month-long fast 'Ramadan' and exchange Eid Mubarak (greetings) as well as gifts.

According to the National Census-2078, the Muslim community shares 5.9 percent of the total population of Nepal. Noting the data was incomplete, he said the commission was planning to study the social, economic, political, cultural and educational conditions of the Muslim community and submit the actual details to the government.

Although there is a mosque for Muslims in Kathmandu, it lacks spacious meeting halls to offer Namaz and for cultural activities together, he complained.

The government has announced a public holiday tomorrow on the occasion of Eid-ul Fitr, the festival of the Islam community.

The Ministry of Home Affairs stated this, issuing a press release today.

The government has been giving a public holiday every year on the occasion of the Eid-ul Fitr (Eid) festival.

The followers of Islam said the final day of Eid had to be postponed to Thursday this year, as the moon was not seen today. Today marks the completion of the month-long Roja, a rigorous fasting that is observed in the month of Ramadan.

The people from the Islam community tomorrow will gather at the Mosque and Idgah, a place set for public prayers on the occasion of Eid, and read the Namaj.

After the recitations of Namaj, they hug each other and exchange Eid-ul Fitr greetings. Back home, they enjoy delicacies. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. 

In the 70 days of the Eid-ul-Fitr, the Muslim people observe the Baker-Eid or Eid-ul-Ajaha. During this festival, they depart for Hajj, a pilgrimage to the Mecca Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Have you heard about turmeric latte? If not, it’s a milk drink with turmeric powder, ground cinnamon, honey, or maple syrup that reduces inflammation, aids digestion, and lowers cholesterol levels. Essentially, it’s a slightly tweaked version of ‘besar dudh’, providing similar benefits.

Another popular product these days is Carecumin, a liquid turmeric supplement with fruit flavor. It claims to lead to significant reductions in aches and pains, boost immunity, and improve gut health.

These are modern marketing gimmicks to sell the knowledge of our forefathers on turmeric.

Now, let’s embark on a journey to explore the fascinating world of turmeric, tracing its roots back to ancient times and following its path to kitchens around the globe.

Turmeric’s tale begins in South Asia, particularly in Nepal and India. For thousands of years, turmeric wasn’t just a flavor enhancer, it was a revered medicinal herb. People used its vibrant yellow powder to soothe aches and pains, fight infections, and add a touch of sunshine to their dishes.

But how did this golden goodness travel the world? It all comes down to the ancient spice routes. Imagine bustling marketplaces filled with exotic treasures. Traders carried turmeric along these routes, introducing it to new cultures and palates. From Arabia to China, Africa to Europe, turmeric’s unique flavor and medicinal properties spread like wildfire.

You might wonder why turmeric isn’t a star player in Chinese cuisine. While some Chinese dishes do incorporate turmeric, other spices like ginger and Sichuan peppercorns tend to dominate. This difference reflects the diverse flavor profiles that have developed in different regions around the world. Just like how some countries love the heat of chili peppers, others might prefer the earthy tones of turmeric.

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: Why is Nepali turmeric so special? Food enthusiasts swear by its quality. Grown in the fertile foothills of the Himalayas, Nepali turmeric boasts an intense aroma, earthy flavor, and higher content of curcumin. Curcumin is the golden hero within turmeric, packed with potential health benefits.

This exceptional quality comes at a premium. Nepali farmers use sustainable methods, nurturing their crops without harsh chemicals. This translates into a higher price for exporters, but it also means a more rewarding experience for those seeking the finest turmeric on the market.

So, what makes Nepali turmeric so expensive?

First is the high altitude at which it’s cultivated. The crisp mountain air and well-drained Himalayan soil create ideal growing conditions for turmeric, contributing to its intense aroma and flavor. Then there’s the case of sustainable practices. Nepali farmers often rely on traditional methods, avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This eco-friendly approach ensures a purer product but requires more labor, impacting the cost.

As we delve into the world of turmeric, let’s not forget its intriguing cousin, white turmeric, also known as Curcuma aromatica or mango ginger. Primarily grown in the monsoon regions of Nepal’s Himalayas, white turmeric offers a unique twist on the golden spice.

While both yellow and white turmeric share curcumin as a key component, white turmeric boasts a higher concentration of other beneficial compounds, including vitamin A, protein, fatty acids, and minerals. This unique profile translates to potential health benefits similar to yellow turmeric, with a focus on skincare and throat infections.

Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, white turmeric is believed to help brighten and lighten the skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties might aid in easing throat infections and congestion.

Unlike its yellow counterpart, white turmeric has a milder, more citrusy aroma and flavor, making it versatile for various culinary uses. It can be consumed raw, dried and powdered, or even enjoyed in tea form.

While research on white turmeric is ongoing, its potential health benefits and unique flavor profile make it an exciting addition to the turmeric family.

Interestingly, the limited availability of white turmeric due to its specific growing conditions also contributes to its value. This, along with its potential health benefits, positions white turmeric as a niche but promising player in the world of spices.

Let’s talk about the promising potential of turmeric in managing inflammation, a key player in various conditions. Studies suggest turmeric may help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, and even ease muscle soreness after exercise.

Furthermore, early research indicates turmeric’s potential role in boosting the immune system, potentially aiding in defense against common colds and flu. Additionally, some studies explore its possible involvement in weight management and even cancer prevention.

Unlike some other turmeric-growing regions, Nepal has a smaller production capacity, leading to higher prices due to limited supply and high demand.

Beyond these factors, the future of Nepali turmeric looks bright. As people become more aware of ingredient quality and origin, the demand for authentic Nepali turmeric is likely to rise. This can empower Nepali farmers and contribute to preserving their valuable agricultural heritage.

Turmeric’s journey is a testament to the power of taste and tradition. From its South Asian roots to its global presence, this golden spice continues to add vibrancy and potential health benefits to dishes around the world. So, the next time you savor a curry or sprinkle turmeric on your veggies, remember the long and fascinating journey this wonder spice has taken.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

At a time when only six years are left to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), the global efforts towards sustainable development have witnessed severe setbacks resulting in crisis.

A UN report released yesterday asserted that financial challenges are behind the present sustainable development crisis, while countries are not only slow off the mark but also deviated to realize 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

The 'Financing for Sustainable Development Report, 2024' prepared by the UN Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development, stated, "Countries are off track on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with around half of the 140 SDG targets for which sufficient data is available deviating from the required path."

According to the report, it is a present projection that almost 600 million people- more than half of them women- will languish in extreme poverty in 2030.

Importantly, the UN report has pointed to a dearth of finance to cope with pressing problems such as the climate crisis along with SDGs. "The unmet financing needs for SDGs and climate action are estimated to be in the trillions of dollars annually," the report reminded.

Moreover, acute financing needs are seen in developing countries in particular, which the report argues, "They face higher costs of capital and significantly worse terms of access to financing. Due to misaligned incentives, both public and private actors still invest in brown activities and have not yet fully aligned their decision-making and financing with the SDGs."

The technological change, especially digitalization has been mentioned as a factor affecting the financial area. Fragmentation of the global economy is taken as an equally increasing threat. The new trends, despite creating some opportunities for development, are major stressors in national and the international financial fronts.

It is worth noting that the SDG Summit in September 2019 had called for 'Decade of Action', promising to channel financing and boost national implementation along with the reinforcement of institutions to realize the goals. But, the global health crisis caused by COVID-19 and subsequent effects on the world economy resulted in slow progress toward this end.

Chair of the Inter-agency Task Force, and Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, UN, Li Junhua, observed, "Financing challenges—including an investment crisis, driven by a sluggish global economy and tight financing conditions—have hampered our progress, preventing the urgently needed investment push in the SDGs."

He, however, sees opportunity in the challenges, arguing, "Amid these challenges there lies opportunity. If we can address the big financing challenges of today— close the growing financing gaps, fix the international financial architecture, and create enabling environments at all levels to finance the ambitious transformations we need—then we can still succeed. It will be difficult, but it is doable."

To this report, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres underlined, "Our proposed SDG Stimulus of USD$500 billion per year of additional investments in sustainable development and climate action includes concrete steps that global leaders can take right now."

The UN defines 'sustainable development' as: 'Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' It underlines the need for concerted efforts so that an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future would be created for the people and planet.

After wrapping up the millennium development goals (MDGs), the UN member states had launched 17 SDGs in 2015. Since then, every UN member has been setting targets and implementing action plans and monitoring and evaluating these at national level, and sharing achievements at regional and global forums.

The national budgets and periodic plans are aligned with SDGs in order for their better localization.

The 5Ps focused by the SDGs are- people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership.