Kathmandu, Mar 12: In a bid to accommodate the diverse religious and cultural fabric of Nepal, the government has taken steps to address concerns regarding public holiday calendars from February to April each year.

The recent focus has been on Galpo Lhosar, a significant cultural celebration observed on Monday, February 28. Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs, emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving such issues in a non-controversial manner before the next year’s calendar is finalized. He urged all stakeholders to contribute constructively towards finding solutions.

Highlighting Nepal’s status as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, Bhattarai stressed the government’s responsibility to honor the diverse religions, cultures, and sentiments of its citizens. He noted that the current calendar, still hanging in many homes, reflects last year’s decisions, but future calendars will be formulated after thorough discussions with relevant communities.

Addressing concerns raised by the Taplejung Chief District Officer’s office regarding representation in the Panchang Judging Committee, Bhattarai acknowledged the need for inclusive representation from all religious communities in decision-making processes related to festival holidays. He assured that lessons learned from this year’s experiences would guide the government’s approach to formulating holiday calendars in the future, ensuring broader consultation and inclusivity.