Opinion | Chhath has spread across Nepal. State support has not
Summary
Chhath has spread across Nepal, but state support still lags behind its national reach, with only limited holidays, reactive ghat cleanup and uneven infrastructure. The article argues for safer festival travel, better calendar recognition and permanent water and market facilities for devotees and artisans.
Key Points
- A microbus carrying devotees from Kathmandu to Sarlahi for Chhath plunged 700 metres at Chisapani Gadhi in Makawanpur, killing 14 people.
- The article says Chhath is now widely observed across Nepal, including Kathmandu, Pokhara and the hills, but the state still treats it as a regional festival.
- It calls for a nationwide holiday, safer travel arrangements, permanent ghat infrastructure and stronger support for the artisans and farmers who sustain the festival.
- The piece argues that Chhath should be included in school curricula, tourism campaigns and cultural institutions with real Madheshi representation.
