"nepal"

#13593795

18 Apr 2026

A general view of Ason, Kathmandu Valley's oldest shopping district, after the implementation of a vehicle-free program for Saturdays on April 18, 2026. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City launches the 'Vehicle-Free Asan' program to help preserve the originality of the historic urban settlement of Asan. Acting Mayor Sunita Dango announces the implementation of the program in areas from Kamala Chhi Chowk to Asan, from Bhotahiti Chowk to Asan, and from Mahabouddha to Asan. Vehicles are prohibited in these areas every Saturday during the program. The metropolis states it is continuously working to conserve, promote, and protect tangible, intangible, natural, and archival heritage within its geographical and administrative jurisdiction. The initiative aims to help preserve Kathmandu's cultural identity and ensure the continuation of traditional lifestyles, festivals, and cultural practices from one generation to another.

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#13593796

18 Apr 2026

A Metropolitan Police officer stands alongside a barricade with text reading ''Road Closed'' as a vehicle-free zone is introduced in the oldest market of Kathmandu Valley on April 18, 2026. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City launches a 'Vehicle-Free Asan' program to help preserve the originality of the historic urban settlement of Asan. Acting Mayor Sunita Dango announces the implementation of the program in areas from Kamala Chhi Chowk to Asan, from Bhotahiti Chowk to Asan, and from Mahabouddha to Asan. Vehicles are prohibited in these areas every Saturday during the program. The metropolis states it is continuously working to conserve, promote, and protect tangible, intangible, natural, and archival heritage within its geographical and administrative jurisdiction. The initiative aims to help preserve Kathmandu's cultural identity and ensure the continuation of traditional lifestyles, festivals, and cultural practices from one generation to another.

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#13593800

18 Apr 2026

A general view of Ason, Kathmandu Valley's oldest shopping district, after the implementation of a vehicle-free program for Saturdays on April 18, 2026. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City launches the 'Vehicle-Free Asan' program to help preserve the originality of the historic urban settlement of Asan. Acting Mayor Sunita Dango announces the implementation of the program in areas from Kamala Chhi Chowk to Asan, from Bhotahiti Chowk to Asan, and from Mahabouddha to Asan. Vehicles are prohibited in these areas every Saturday during the program. The metropolis states it is continuously working to conserve, promote, and protect tangible, intangible, natural, and archival heritage within its geographical and administrative jurisdiction. The initiative aims to help preserve Kathmandu's cultural identity and ensure the continuation of traditional lifestyles, festivals, and cultural practices from one generation to another.

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#13593964

18 Apr 2026

Demonstrators hold placards in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 18, 2026, urging the government to reconsider its decision to levy custom duties on goods valued over Nrs. 100. The government has begun enforcing a rule requiring mandatory customs duties on goods valued over Nrs. 100, affecting ordinary citizens who previously benefited from informal customs exemptions for small purchases and household items. Joint monitoring teams, including the Department of Customs, the Department of Revenue Investigation, District Administration Offices, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force, have increased their activity, leading to stricter controls on goods entering the country. The policy and the ban on Indian-registered vehicles have impacted the border districts of Madhesh, affecting residents' daily lives.

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#13593965

18 Apr 2026

Demonstrators hold placards in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 18, 2026, urging the government to reconsider its decision to levy custom duties on goods valued over Nrs. 100. The government has begun enforcing a rule requiring mandatory customs duties on goods valued over Nrs. 100, affecting ordinary citizens who previously benefited from informal customs exemptions for small purchases and household items. Joint monitoring teams, including the Department of Customs, the Department of Revenue Investigation, District Administration Offices, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force, have increased their activity, leading to stricter controls on goods entering the country. The policy and the ban on Indian-registered vehicles have impacted the border districts of Madhesh, affecting residents' daily lives.

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#13593966

18 Apr 2026

Demonstrators hold placards in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 18, 2026, urging the government to reconsider its decision to levy custom duties on goods valued over Nrs. 100. The government has begun enforcing a rule requiring mandatory customs duties on goods valued over Nrs. 100, affecting ordinary citizens who previously benefited from informal customs exemptions for small purchases and household items. Joint monitoring teams, including the Department of Customs, the Department of Revenue Investigation, District Administration Offices, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force, have increased their activity, leading to stricter controls on goods entering the country. The policy and the ban on Indian-registered vehicles have impacted the border districts of Madhesh, affecting residents' daily lives.

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#13593967

18 Apr 2026

Demonstrators hold placards in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 18, 2026, urging the government to reconsider its decision to levy custom duties on goods valued over Nrs. 100. The government has begun enforcing a rule requiring mandatory customs duties on goods valued over Nrs. 100, affecting ordinary citizens who previously benefited from informal customs exemptions for small purchases and household items. Joint monitoring teams, including the Department of Customs, the Department of Revenue Investigation, District Administration Offices, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force, have increased their activity, leading to stricter controls on goods entering the country. The policy and the ban on Indian-registered vehicles have impacted the border districts of Madhesh, affecting residents' daily lives.

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#13593968

18 Apr 2026

Demonstrators hold placards in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 18, 2026, urging the government to reconsider its decision to levy custom duties on goods valued over Nrs. 100. The government has begun enforcing a rule requiring mandatory customs duties on goods valued over Nrs. 100, affecting ordinary citizens who previously benefited from informal customs exemptions for small purchases and household items. Joint monitoring teams, including the Department of Customs, the Department of Revenue Investigation, District Administration Offices, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force, have increased their activity, leading to stricter controls on goods entering the country. The policy and the ban on Indian-registered vehicles have impacted the border districts of Madhesh, affecting residents' daily lives.

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#13594037

18 Apr 2026

Nihira Bajracharya, the living goddess Kumari of Patan, gives blessings to devotees on the first day of the Rato Machhindranath Jatra in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. The Rato Machhindranath Chariot festival, which spans weeks based on astrological timing, begins with the ''Aajus'' or ''Priests'' carrying the ''Red God'' to the chariot. Known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, it is the longest Jatra in Nepal, lasting months depending on astronomical factors. The Newar community constructs a 32-foot chariot annually using wooden beams without nails, taking about a week to complete. The chariot is then decorated before the deity is seated. In the ancient town of Lalitpur, the chariot is paraded around the city four days after the deity's ascension. It is then pulled to Ga:Bahal, rested for one day, and subsequently moved to Sundhara and Mangalbazar, where it remains for one day each.

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#13594039

18 Apr 2026

Nihira Bajracharya, the living goddess Kumari of Patan, gives blessings to devotees on the first day of the Rato Machhindranath Jatra in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. The Rato Machhindranath Chariot festival, which spans weeks based on astrological timing, begins with the ''Aajus'' or ''Priests'' carrying the ''Red God'' to the chariot. Known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, it is the longest Jatra in Nepal, lasting months depending on astronomical factors. The Newar community constructs a 32-foot chariot annually using wooden beams without nails, taking about a week to complete. The chariot is then decorated before the deity is seated. In the ancient town of Lalitpur, the chariot is paraded around the city four days after the deity's ascension. It is then pulled to Ga:Bahal, rested for one day, and subsequently moved to Sundhara and Mangalbazar, where it remains for one day each.

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#13594041

18 Apr 2026

A Nepali devotee climbs the chariot of Rato Machhindranath in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. The Rato Machhindranath Chariot festival, which spans several weeks based on astrological timing, begins with the ''Aajus'' or ''Priests'' placing the ''Red God'' on the chariot. Known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, this is the longest Jatra in Nepal, lasting for months depending on astronomical factors. The Newar community constructs the 32-foot chariot annually using wooden beams without nails, a process that takes about a week. The chariot is then decorated before the deity is seated. In the ancient town of Lalitpur, the chariot is paraded around the city four days after the deity's ascension. It remains on the roadside for four days before being pulled to Ga:Bahal, where it rests for one day, and then to Sundhara and Mangalbazar, where it stays for one day each.

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#13594043

18 Apr 2026

The traditional band of the Nepali Army plays the flute during a procession on the first day of the Rato Macchindranath Jatra in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. The Rato Macchindranath Chariot festival, which can span weeks based on astrological timing, begins with the ''Aajus'' or ''Priests'' carrying the ''Red God'' to the chariot. Known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, it is the longest Jatra in Nepal, lasting months depending on astronomical factors. The Newar community constructs a 32-foot chariot annually using wooden beams without nails, taking about a week to complete. The chariot is decorated before the deity is seated. In the ancient town of Lalitpur, the chariot is paraded around the city four days after the deity's ascension. It is then pulled to Ga:Bahal, rested for one day, and subsequently moved to Sundhara and Mangalbazar, where it remains for one day each.

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#13594046

18 Apr 2026

Devotees carry the idol of Rato Macchindranath for ascension in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. The Rato Macchindranath Chariot Festival, which spans several weeks based on astrological timing, begins with the ''Aajus'' or ''Priests'' placing the ''Red God'' onto the chariot. Known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, this is the longest Jatra in Nepal, lasting for months depending on astronomical factors. The Newar community constructs a 32-foot chariot annually using wooden beams without nails, a process that takes about a week. The chariot is then decorated before the deity is seated. In the ancient town of Lalitpur, the chariot is paraded around the city four days after the ascension. It is stationed on the roadside for four days, then pulled to Ga:Bahal for a day, followed by Sundhara and Mangalbazar, where it remains for one day each.

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#13594049

18 Apr 2026

Devotees carry the idol of Rato Macchindranath for ascension in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. The Rato Macchindranath Chariot Festival, which spans several weeks based on astrological timing, begins with the ''Aajus'' or ''Priests'' placing the ''Red God'' onto the chariot. Known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, this is the longest Jatra in Nepal, lasting for months depending on astronomical factors. The Newar community constructs a 32-foot chariot annually using wooden beams without nails, a process that takes about a week. The chariot is then decorated before the deity is seated. In the ancient town of Lalitpur, the chariot is paraded around the city four days after the ascension. It is stationed on the roadside for four days, then pulled to Ga:Bahal for a day, followed by Sundhara and Mangalbazar, where it remains for one day each.

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#13594053

18 Apr 2026

A Nepali devotee makes an offering to Patan's Living Goddess Kumari on the first day of the Rato Machhindranath Jatra in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. The Rato Machhindranath Chariot festival, which spans several weeks based on astrological timing, begins after the ''Aajus'' or ''Priests'' carry the ''Red God'' to the chariot. Known as ''Bunga Dugh'' in Newari, meaning the God of Rain and Harvest, it is the longest Jatra in Nepal, lasting for months depending on astronomical factors. The Newar community constructs a 32-foot chariot annually using wooden beams without nails, taking about a week to complete. The chariot is then decorated before the deity is placed inside. In the ancient town of Lalitpur, the chariot is paraded around the city four days after the deity's ascension. It is then pulled to Ga:Bahal, rested for one day, and subsequently moved to Sundhara and Mangalbazar, where it remains for one day each.

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#13591445

18 Apr 2026

Man Maya Maharjan, 105, of Lalitpur, Nepal, marks her 5th Janku (Maha Divya Ratharohan) ritual on April 18, 2026, reaching the age of 105 years, 5 months, and 5 days. The Janku is a Newar life-cycle ceremony that marks advanced age milestones and is performed through religious rites along with gatherings of family and community members. Following the rituals, she is carried in a traditional palanquin and greets locals and neighbors in her community in Lalitpur. Locals note this as the first known instance of a 5th Janku being observed for an individual in the area, highlighting the ceremony's significance within local tradition. The ceremony includes customary worship and participation of family and community members as part of the Newar cultural practice recognizing longevity and social respect for elders.

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