KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has decided to cancel its traditional tea reception, which is held annually on the occasion of Kojagrat Purnima.
The party stated that it is calling off the event due to the ongoing mourning across the country following recent natural disasters, including floods and landslides.
Acting Chief Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Krishna Prasad Dulal, issued a statement on Sunday confirming that the tea reception will not take place this year.
The party has maintained this tradition since 2034 BS, when founding leader BP Koirala initiated the practice to foster mutual goodwill and exchange greetings after returning to the country with a policy of national unity and reconciliation.
While the event has been skipped in previous years for specific reasons, it has generally been a consistent annual tradition for the party.
The party noted that the country is currently grappling with significant human and physical losses caused by recent floods, specifically citing the devastation in the Bhote Koshi and Budhigandaki regions. Given the tragic circumstances, the party concluded that hosting a festive reception would not be appropriate.
Meanwhile, party President Gagan Kumar Thapa has urged the public to celebrate festivals in a quiet, restrained, and modest manner within their families, avoiding any flamboyant displays during this time of national grief.
The Nepali Congress has expressed its condolences to the families affected by the disasters and has called on everyone to remain restrained and responsible under the current circumstances.
