KHOTANG, April 15: Tourist spots in Khotang were flooded with groups of families and friends on Friday to celebrate Nepali New Year 2074. Rupakot, Majhwagadhi, Tyamke, Maiyu, Halesi and Bhumjudanda, among other popular spots in the district, remained crowded throughout the day. Most of these picnic organizers called on politicians to end political turmoil and usher lasting peace and development in the country.
“This is a very special New Year for us. Local elections are less than a month away. Once that happens, we hope that lasting peace will be established in the country and the nation will once again focus on development,” said Pravin Sharma of Maiyu village. He shared that their group have been joyous with the upcoming local elections.
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A college level student Parbati Magar had the same views. She stated that the New Year in itself is an occasion to celebrate and added that the upcoming local election has made it even more special. “We have gone through a lot of uncertainty and chaos. This should now be settled down. And we feel Local elections are going to fix a lot of things,” he said.
Since some years district residents have been celebrating by organizing picnic in tourist stops. Residents walk miles for celebrating the New Year.
“All tourist spots are not reachable by vehicle. But that does not stop people from walking and organizing gatherings. After all, it is our New Year,” Magar said. She added that such occasions are beautiful because they are special moments for spending with special ones.
The picnic groups included students from schools and colleges, officials from government and private offices, families, among others. Along with them, several political parties also organized picnic in different places across the district. Though this is not a new practice, this time political parties showed much more zeal in organizing picnic.
Beaten rice, pork, chicken, mutton and drinks among other delicacies were relished by the groups with typical Nepali songs blaring in the background. Various cultural dance groups added to the fervor.
Markets in the district were hardly open on Friday. Thicker crowds were seen in Rupakot and Majhuwagadi – spots that are near district headquarters, Diktel. According to hoteliers, guests had reached there two, three days earlier to book their favorite spots.
