Nepalese flock border ahead of Bishu festival
RUDRAPUR: Hustle and bustle is seen these days at Banbasa entry point along the India-Nepal border as thousands Nepalese, who live in India for job, are leaving for their country to celebrate “Bishu festival” (Hindu new year).
Govind Singh, incharge of Sharda barrage police outpost, said, “Thousands Nepalese are crossing the border to reach their houses so that they could celebrate ‘Bishu’ festival which is the first day of the Hindu calendar. Most of them are from Mumbai, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh.”
Bishu festival is celebrated with fervour in Nepal. It begins with the first Navratra of Chaitra month. Nepalese celebrate it for a week they not only observe fast but also nettle water is splashed between relatives specially brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
It is considered that splashing water on this occasion will remain off from devil powers and will bring fortune for them.
They worship their family deity. Thousands Nepalese work in Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. They work in factories, houses, construction projects and orchids.
They had left India after the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic due to fear of lives but returned later to resume job. This time amid the second wave of pandemic they are going to Nepal to celebrate the festivals.
Himmat Singh Thapa, a resident of Dandeldhura district, said, “Since this festival is very auspicious for Nepalese and our family members and relatives wait for us so we go to our house on the occasion of Bishu and Dusshera. We will return after a week the festival is over.”
More than 13,000 Nepalese have crossed the border since April 8, an official said.