Kathmandu, October 22:

Various programmes were organised today in the Valley on the eve of Nepal Sambat 1127 New Year.

The Newa Deygoo Nepal Mandal organised a mass jogging programme in the morning from Basantapur. Deputy Prime Minister Amik Sherchan also participated in the programme. Addressing the gathering, he said crisis in confidence in both the government and the Maoist leadership is hindering the peace talks and that they must develop confidence among themselves to proceed further.

In a separate programme organised by the ECR FM at Badikhel of Lalitpur to mark the same occasion, Sherchan said it would be a big misfortune for the country if the government and the Maoists could not head toward decisive talks after the festival of Tihar.

The Nhupucha Bhimsensthan today organised a children’s running programme at Basantapur to mark the New Year. Jiban Ram Shrestha, the general-secretary of Nepal Sports Council, inaugurated the programme. Prizes were given away to the participants after the programme.

The Mahadev Makhan Club organised a sukunda rally this evening. A large number of Newars, clad in traditional attire, carried traditional lamp-pot sukundas and marched along the city roads, wishing a happy New Year. A candle walk was organised at Baniyachowk Jhochhen of Kathmandu by the Rotaract Club of New Road City.

Chairman of Nepal Bhasha Manka Khalaa, Padma Ratna Tuladhar, chairperson of New Year Celebration Committee Prof Prem Shanti Tuladhar and others released an audio album Tiki Nugaya Sasay by lyricist Pratisara Saymi.

In Madhyapur Thimi Municipality, Nhuda Samaroha Samiti and Laykoo Puchha organised a cultural rally participated in by dozens of traditional musical bands went through the thoroughfares of the town.

In Lalitpur, a candle walk was organised by Rotaract Club of Lalitpur at Mangal Bazar. Cultural expert Dharma Ratna Shakya Trishuli was also honoured for his contribution on Nepal Sambat. Kartik Dance Management Committee was also honoured.

The result of the 13th Mannda Drawing Competition, organised by Saugaa Twa Sudhar Samiti to mark the New Year, was announced today. Rubin Shakya, Nirjala Tamrakar and Sanjeev Shakya came first, second and third. In Thecho, a local Hapaa Puchaa organised Nepal Lipi Competition, in which the participants presented their skill in writing in the historic Newar script.