Lalitpur, October 1, 2005

Buddhist and Hindu shrines located in Lalitpur and Kathmandu will observe the ninth Dipankha yatra on October 17, according to the Dipankha Yatra Management Committee (DYMC) at Basu Barna Mahabihar, Lalitpur. Kirti Kiran Joshi, an astrologer at the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), said the Dipankha yatra is observed when five yogs lie on the same day of the lunar calendar. Kojagrat Purnima also falls on October 17. Taking out a procession from Nagbahal, Lalitpur, Buddhist priests will visit 131 Buddhist and Hindu temples located in Kathmandu and Lalitpur. The procession will pass through different spots in Lalitpur and Kathmandu, namely Nakhipot, Bungmati, Khokana, then to Maru, Sitpaila, Halchowk, Swayambhu, Naxal, Boudha, and will conclude in Lagankhel. The journey will last for over a day. According to a legend, the Dipakar Buddha gave life to the idol of Neel Thu-bodhisatwa, a bull, on this very day. Sankharacharya then took the bull away from the Basu Barna Mahabihar. The priests’ efforts to call the bull back got delayed for three months. In course, the bull visited 131 places. Temples and idols of the bull were made wherever the bull went. He returned to his abode finally and got salvation soon. An idol was erected in memory of the bull at the Mahabihar. According to documents collected by the members of Dipankar Guthi, the yatra is being celebrated after a period of 38 years.

Nabil Bank launches innovative NabilKool Cash, Nabil Prepaid

Kathmandu, October 1, 2005

Nabail Bank Ltd has launched NabilKoolCash and NabilPrepaid, solutions for non-account holders to avail of a prepaid card product over the country, under the international Visa Electron card brand. With this launch, cards are now within the reach of any individual interested to hold one, without even having an account in the bank, states a press release issued here today by the bank. The NabilKoolCash and NabilPrepaid are available from all branches of Nabil Bank in Dharan and Biratnagar in the east, to Nepalgunj in the west. The card is designed keeping in mind the entire gamut of needs of the customer, including ATMs for cash withdrawals or interacting with shops, restaurants, hotels and travel agencies for purchase of goods and services. In today’s Era when carrying cash is becoming more risky and less convenient, NabilKoolCash and NabilPrepaid is expected to compete with currency notes and not any other card product in the market, adds the release. NabilKoolCash is aimed at youngsters in high schools, colleges and young professionals, while there will be no trouble about carrying Indian rupees when travelling to India or to pay for the education of children, or health care with NabilPrepaid.