SIMIKOT, Dec 28: All health facilities in seven rural municipalities in Humla are dealing with an increased number of people with complains of winter-related health issues as the winter season is about hit its peak.

Major festivals across cultures have their roots in rural life. They also share similar rationale for celebration. The reunion of family members, sharing of good time, food, blessings, and worship of gods/goddesses are their universal themes. Unsurprisingly, they are embraced, modified, and commoditized by the urbanites, exurbanites and suburbanites in no time.

One can find 78-year-old Pancha Maya Moktan in the Naya Bazar crossroad of Kirtipur, all year round. It’s been 12 years since she started operating her roadside shop amid the daily hustle and bustle of the bus stand.