Rajbiraj, January 13 Tharu leaders in Saptari have expressed their concern saying the Maghi festival would be affected due to the ongoing unrest in Tarai. Tharu people across the country celebrate the festival with fervour on Magh 1 (January 15). Former Chairman Muktinath Chaudhary of Tharu Welfare Assembly said, “Though Saptari folks and locals from neighbouring districts participated in the festival with fanfare in the previous years, we are likely to witness much less participation this year.” People belonging to Tharu community eat delicious foods, wear new clothes and take blessings from the elders to celebrate the festival. Chaudhary said they had organised a programme at Pato, Ghoghanpur, Padariya, Jandoul, Kalyanpur among other places of the district last year. “This year, the programme will be organised in Bhediya and Basabalpur of Hardiya VDC,” he informed. He said people were less interested in celebrating the festival this year due to the hostile environment in the plains. Maghi Festival Bhediya programme coordinator Ananda Chaudhary said final preparation for the programme was completed. He requested the bandh organisers not to disturb people who come for the festival. “We have completed all the necessary preparations,” he said. He added that though people from neighbouring district were also invited for the programme, they are unsure about the number of participants.