Kathmandu, March 25:

Nepal Khadgi Sewa Samiti today demanded public holiday on Pahaan Charhe festival and asked the government to name it Nahyo (Khadgi) Day.

The Samiti celebrated the first Nahyo Day on Wednesday, promoting their cultural identity and seeking their identification among different castes within the Newar community. Addressing the programme, CA chairman Subas Nembang said the whole nation was with the Khadgis to safeguard their identity.

Manoj Kumar Newa, president of the Samiti, said the new constitution should focus issues of indigenous and ethnic communities, including the Newar community. He accused the government of failing to provide attention to backward groups.