Madhes protests dampen the spirit of Chhath celebration

DANG, Nov 17: While the festive mood of Chhath is on full swing back in his village in Mahottari district, Manish Chaudhary sat gloomily outside his shop in Ghorahi municipality of Dang district. He is disappointed for not being able to celebrate the festival with his family due to the ongoing Tarai-Madhes protests that prevented him from going home.

"I managed to return home for Chhath festival every year. But I couldn't do so this time because of the ongoing banda everywhere," said Manish, who is from Matihani VDC.Chhath festival is especially celebrated by Nepal's Hindus of the central and eastern Tarai with their relatives, who gather together for jubilation. This year, however, the protests organized by the agitating United Democratic Madheshi Front (UDMF) have poured cold water on the hopes of family reunion for many

"I reached the Ghorahi Bus Park many times to buy ticket. But the operator at the ticket counter said transportation is very uncertain," said Manish, adding, "I would have taken detour from Indian road, but couldn't do so because I also have to take my son along. I'm very disappointed to let my family down."

Likewise, Sudir Shah of Janakpur, who has been working as an operator of a spice factory in Gohari, cited fuel shortage for not being able to return home this year. "I neither got bus ticket, nor fuel for my vehicle to return home. I could find no way to be with my family this festival," he said.

There is no culture of celebrating the festival in Dang. Madhesis living in Dang for work purpose are very disappointed not to have made it home to celebrate Chhath with their relatives. They have also expressed dissatisfaction toward the protests led by their own people. They claimed that the protests have only given troubles to the Madhesi people instead of benefits.

"We are forced to keep working even during such important festival. Had there been no banda and protests, I would have surely made it to home for the festival. Celebration back home would have been so much fun," said Rajendra Sharma of Gaur, Rautahat, who is involved in furniture business in Dang.

Even in the districts where Chhath is usually observed with much fervor, the celebratory mood this time has largely been dampened due to the banda. "Although one can see some celebrations, it is not up to the usual level. Festive spirits of people have largely diminished this year," said Bhabesh Karn of Jaleshwar Municipality-15, of Mahottari.

Related story

UDMF protests fail to dampen election spirit in Province 2