Come 1 Baishak, and the overwhelming number of holidays that brighten the Nepali calendar will be nine less. The Home Ministry after consultations with the Cabinet has decided to cut Dasain holidays short by four days, including the day of Ghatastapana (planting of jamara). Basanta panchami, Rishi panchami, and the Valley-specific Gaijatra, Ghodejatra, and Bhotejatra have also been removed from the list of public holidays.

A Home Ministry official says Dasain holidays will extend from Saptami to Duadashi, a mere six days. Previously, government offices remained closed from Saptami till Purnima, a grand total of nine days. The courts, however will continue to enjoy holidays as before, because changing these dates would mean amending laws regarding the judiciary.

Even though nine days are off the list, Nepalis continue to be eligible for a day off when the king decides to take a royal trip.