Kathmandu, November 8

The Ministry of Home Affairs has appealed to Valley residents not to organise Deusi-Bhailo after 10 pm during the Tihar festival.

Deusi-Bhailo is a cultural programme of Nepali Hindus. People in groups visit homes and sing and dance, seeking dakshina as part of tradition. Issuing a press statement, the MoHA said it kept the timing for Deusi-Bhailo till 10 pm to ‘prevent possible criminal activities’.

“The MoHA requests everyone to conclude their cultural shows, including Deusi-Bhailo by 10 pm as persons criminals are likely to take this as an opportunity to commit crimes.”

The ministry has also warned all against use of firecrackers in the name of celebrating Tihar as the smoke emanating from such items could pose threats to public health besides causing injury and fire. “Those violating the rule will be brought to book under prevailing laws,” warned the MoHA.