Three major international Buddhist prayer and teaching events have drawn monks, nuns and devotees from around the world, bringing renewed activity to the birthplace of Buddha and giving a boost to local tourism.

Chitwan recovered from a shaky start to chase down a target of 89 with four wickets to spare, leaving Janakpur’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

The first-season champions managed just 88 for nine, dealing a major blow to their slim hopes of reaching the Nepal Premier League playoffs.

Jeep, elephant and boat safaris bring in millions for some forests but most of Chitwan’s 93 forests outside the park buffer zone have yet to follow suit.

In Antalya, Nepal is asking the world for billions. But its push for international recognition has fallen short, and Kathmandu still has homework to do.

Sudurpaschim Royals have won four consecutive matches after losing two of their first three, moving to the top of the Nepal Premier League table with 10 points.

The government has extended the holiday to November 16, a day after the festival, to allow devotees to complete their religious observances.

The Royals recover from a disastrous start but manage only 125 for six in their 20 overs in the first match of Friday’s double-header.

Chakraghatta Rural Municipality has declared Friday a day of mourning and will provide Rs50,000 to each bereaved family to help cover funeral expenses.

The appointments follow parliamentary hearings and approval of nominees recommended by the Judicial Council. The new justices are due to begin work on Monday.

Markets are filling with shoppers buying fruits, traditional offerings and bamboo items ahead of the festival.

Growing numbers of international visitors are crowding the mountain airport, with limited flights making tickets to and from Kathmandu harder to secure.

Relatives are demanding compensation, jobs for family members and government-funded treatment for the injured before accepting the bodies.

The franchises have chosen to bat first in the last three fixtures at the TU International Cricket Stadium, moving away from the early-tournament preference for bowling first.