Kathmandu, October 23
The seventh day of the Badadashain festival, Phulpati, is being observed across the country of Friday.
An assortment of various flowers, leaves and fruits considered auspicious is taken into houses of Hindu devotees as per the tradition throughout the country this evening.
In the capital, the flowers and leaves are anointed at the Dashaighar of Hanumandhoka Palace on the seventh day of the Badadashain festival. This year, the procedure is carried out by observing the health protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, says Hanumandhoka Caretaker Office Chief Sandip Khanal.
The Covid-19 outbreak, in Kathmandu in particular, has resulted in restricted celebrations. Whereas the Nepal Army would organise a special function on the occasion of Phulpati in Kathmandu, the function will be limited to formality this time.
Nepal Army spokesperson Santosh Ballav Paudel says, “Our function will be merely symbolic today because we want to give continuity to our festivals while maintaining all standards of safety.”
In the past years, around 200 guests would be invited to the function, but this year the guest list is shorter than 100 people.
