Tag: Govt

  • Nepal Declares Public Holidays for Christmas, Udhauli Parva, and Yomari Punhi, Embracing Cultural Diversity

    Nepal Declares Public Holidays for Christmas, Udhauli Parva, and Yomari Punhi, Embracing Cultural Diversity


    The Government of Nepal has joyously declared Monday, the 9th of Poush, and Tuesday, the 10th of Poush, as public holidays to celebrate ‘Christmas Day,’ ‘Udhauli Parva,’ and ‘Yomari Punhi,’ showcasing its commitment to embracing the cultural and religious diversity of the nation.

    Globally observed on December 25th, Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and holds immense religious and cultural significance for billions of people. This holiday is characterized by festive decorations, the exchange of gifts, and gatherings of families and friends.

    Yomari Punhi, a traditional Newari festival, aligns with the full moon day of Thinlā, the second month in the lunar Nepal Era calendar (November/December). The festival symbolizes the conclusion of the rice harvest and involves the preparation and consumption of yomari, a sweet rice flour delicacy.

    Udhauli Parva is a festival observed by the Kirat community, expressing gratitude to nature for a fruitful harvest. As part of the festivities, individuals from the hills migrate to lower regions to escape the harsh Himalayan winters.

    In observance of these celebrations, the Nepal Stock Exchange Limited (NEPSE) will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Regular trading activities are set to resume on Wednesday, Poush 11, 2080, beginning at 11:00 AM.

    During this brief pause for celebration, we extend warm wishes to all, hoping for a joyous and harmonious holiday season. May the spirit of unity and celebration bring happiness and prosperity to all citizens of Nepal.

  • Nepal Declares Public Holiday for Tihar and Chhath Festivals

    Nepal Declares Public Holiday for Tihar and Chhath Festivals


    The Government of Nepal has declared a public holiday spanning from the 12th to the 30th of Mangsir to celebrate the Tihar festival. Additionally, a Chhath holiday is scheduled for the 3rd of Mangsir. This holiday period will lead to the temporary closure of the Nepal Stock Exchange Limited (NEPSE), with the secondary market reopening on the 4th of Mangsir, 2080, a Monday. During this break, regular trading activities on NEPSE will remain suspended, with trading resuming on the 4th of Mangsir, 2080, at 11:00 AM.

    Tihar, known as Deepawali or Yamapanchak, is a vibrant and culturally significant five-day festival in Nepal. It pays tribute to Yama, the God of Death, and Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Each day of Tihar is marked by unique rituals and celebrations, honoring the relationship between humans and animals, the importance of prosperity, and the bonds of family. Alongside Tihar, Chhath Parva is another significant festival celebrated in Nepal, particularly along riverbanks, where devotees seek physical and spiritual purity through rituals and fasting. This holiday period provides an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate these important cultural and religious festivals.

  • Nepal Observes Constitution Day with Public Holiday and NEPSE Closure

    Nepal Observes Constitution Day with Public Holiday and NEPSE Closure


    The Government of Nepal has declared a public holiday today, which falls on the 3rd of Ashwin, to commemorate ‘Constitution Day.’ As part of the holiday observance, the Nepal Stock Exchange Limited (NEPSE) will remain closed for trading. Normal trading activities on NEPSE will resume on Thursday, the 4th of Ashwin, 2080, starting at 11:00 AM.

    Constitution Day holds significance as it marks the promulgation of the constitution, which was drafted by the representatives of the people through the Constituent Assembly. This historic event took place on Ashoj 3, 2072 BS. The current constitution represents the seventh written constitution of Nepal, with its primary objective being the establishment of socialism through the protection of citizens’ socioeconomic and cultural rights.

  • Government Grants Holiday for Bakrid; NEPSE Closed

    Government Grants Holiday for Bakrid; NEPSE Closed


    The government has announced a public holiday on Thursday to celebrate Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha). The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a press release stating that in accordance with the information published in the Nepal gazette, the holiday is granted to observe Bakrid on Ashad 14, 2080. On this day, all public offices, including the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), will be closed.

     

  • ublic Holiday Declared in Kathmandu Valley, NEPSE to Remain Closed

    ublic Holiday Declared in Kathmandu Valley, NEPSE to Remain Closed


    Government Declares Public Holiday in Kathmandu Valley Districts for Bhoto Jatra Celebration

    The government of Nepal has announced a public holiday in three districts of the Kathmandu valley. According to a press release issued by the Home Ministry, Thursday has been declared a public holiday in observance of the Bhoto Jatra festival. This announcement aims to facilitate the celebration of the festival in Kathmandu valley.

    In light of this decision, all government offices, as well as banks and financial institutions, will remain closed on the designated holiday. The Bhoto Jatra festival is a significant event that marks the conclusion of the month-long Rato Machhendranath Jatra.

    This public holiday provides an opportunity for residents and visitors in the Kathmandu valley to participate in the festivities and cultural traditions associated with Bhoto Jatra. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and honoring the rich heritage of Nepal.

  • Is bitcoin banned in Nepal?

    Is bitcoin banned in Nepal?


    Ban of Transaction of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Nepal.

    The central bank of Nepal, Nepal Rastra Bank (“NRB”) published a notice pursuant to Nepal Rastra Bank Act 2001 (“NRB Act”) and Foreign Exchange (Regulation) Act 1962 (“FERA”) prohibiting the usage of Bitcoin in Nepal. NRB has not recognized Bitcoins as a valid currency in Nepal.

    A few highlights on the ban:

    1. Laws of Nepal: The Nepal Rastra Bank, Nepal’s central bank, highlighted two laws in its statement banning Bitcoin and its transactions: the foreign exchange statute of 2019 BS and the Nepal Rastra Bank Act of 2058 BS. It basically means that you can’t do bitcoin transactions or use bitcoin to swap foreign or Nepali currency in Nepal because bitcoin isn’t classified as a currency by the Nepali government, therefore utilizing the internet for bitcoin transactions or exchange is unlawful.
    2. Lack of regulations: NRB and Nepal govt is unable to have proper regulation over bitcoin transactions, as it’s mostly done over internet and Nepal doesn’t yet have the technology needed to regulate it, and hence it may be banned.
    3. Use in illegal activities: Reports of bitcoin being used for money laundering or making black money into white by converting into Bitcoin, among other cases is another reason.
    4. Damage to Nepali economy: Bitcoin transactions unlike other banking transactions can’t be taxed, so there will be loss of revenue, plus if more Nepalis use bitcoins, the monetary system of Nepal may be affected, Bitcoin is also a very volatile currency with lots of ups and downs and long term it can cause severe problems. NRB is tasked with maintaining the financial stability of Nepal and maybe it felt, bitcoin was a threat.

    These are only a few of the reasons, in my opinion, why bitcoin is prohibited in Nepal. The existing Nepali laws prohibit it, and the central bank believes that bitcoin cannot be effectively regulated, that it can be used for unlawful purposes, and that it will harm the Nepali economy in the long run. The Nepalese government has recently taken tough measures against bitcoin transactions, including arresting people who were mining bitcoin or had large amounts of bitcoin, shutting down Nepal’s largest bitcoin exchange operator Bitsewa and arresting its owners, and even arresting a Nepali politician from a minor party for bitcoin trading.