Some fast for the entire day and perform vedic or tantric worship of Shiva, while others do the Rudra Abhishek, a special type of puja to please the god and seek his blessings.

While most Tharus celebrate nowadays by rallying in cultural costumes, it is different from the traditional celebration of the festival.

Lupus is an untreatable autoimmune disease that can affect nearly every part of the body.

Secrecy, lack of ballot papers with tactile relief, and tall tables are key infrastructural issues.

There is an increase in footfalls on trails around the Valley, with more people hiking—for fitness or an escape.

Sex-selective abortions are illegal in Nepal but are still widely practised for preference of sons over daughters, rights activists say.

As infections rise in neighbouring India, bordering regions need extra attention, health officials say.