Kathmandu. President Bidyadevi Bhandari, Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, former King Gyanendra Shah and many other eminent people have canceled the program of offering tika to the general public for Dashain this year. The tika offering program has been postponed this year due to the Ministry of Health and Population’s decision to reduce large gatherings amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the program has been canceled, President Bhandari is scheduled to spend this Dashain with her mother. Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun too has canceled the program to be organized on the occasion of Dashain, as all crowded events this year have been put on hold.  

Previously, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who used to celebrate Dashain by offering tika and blessings to the general public and party workers, has canceled his program too. Prime Minister Oli is set to receive tika from his father.

Former King Gyanendra Shah has canceled the plans too due to the current situation as well. His Communication Secretary Phaniraj Pathak informed that the program was cancelled not just for the general public but also for his employees, in order to observe the utmost precaution.

A set of rules have been issued directing the citizens to not hold any event that is crowded during festivals and other occasions in Kathmandu Valley, due to the high risks associated with the pandemic. According to the criteria issued by the Ministry of Health and Population, no more than 25 people can gather together at a religious place, or anywhere else. The criteria has been publicly issued instructing individuals within the Valley to maintain physical distance while greeting; not to touch idols and objects used by many people; not to spit indiscriminately in public places; to use electronic means as much as possible for monetary transactions; and not to participate in high-risk gatherings.