Kathmandu
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
KATHMANDU: Nepal News is transforming the way stories are told in Nepal. No longer content with simply reporting events, our journalists dig deeper, asking not only what is happening, but why it matters.
Each story is carefully planned, with clear assignments, structured outlines, thorough research, verified data, and insightful quotes. Every piece is thoughtfully edited and crafted to provide clarity amid the noise.
Every week, we present a curated selection of stories that capture the heartbeat of Nepal — from groundbreaking investigative reports to human-interest features, policy analyses, and cultural insights. These are more than just news stories; they are windows into the forces shaping our society, economy, and daily lives.
Here’s a look at the seven standout features from last week, each reflecting our commitment to quality journalism, storytelling depth, and editorial integrity. Explore these stories to understand not just the headlines, but the narratives behind them.
Malashree: The tune that calls for Dashain
Jointly reported by Prabhakar Gautam, a Senior Correspondent, and Shikha Shrestha, a Senior Correspondent (multimedia) at Nepal News, this cultural feature explores the deep-rooted tradition of the melody Malashree, detailing how the ancient tune functions as the unmistakable soundtrack of the Dashain festival and a powerful, adaptable symbol of Nepali spiritual energy and autumn joy, connecting generations across the globe.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/history-culture/malashree-the-tune-that-calls-for-dashain/
Kite culture fades from Kathmandu during Dashain
Investigating a cultural shift, Deep Subedi, a Correspondent at Nepal News, charts the decline of a once-vibrant Dashain tradition: the flying of kites across the Kathmandu Valley. The story contrasts the clear, kite-filled skies of the past, celebrated by poets like Lekhnath Paudyal, with the urbanized present, where lack of space and digital distractions have caused this activity, traditionally a message to the rain god Indra, to fade into a nostalgic memory.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/society/kite-culture-fades-from-kathmandu-during-dashain/
Nepali satellite Munal grounded over 6m shortfall
An analysis by Mani Dahal, a Special Representative of Nepal News, reports Nepal’s student-built Munal satellite grounded despite being fully tested and registered, a national first. Its planned free launch via India’s ISRO is indefinitely postponed due to delays with India’s primary payload. Nepali scientists now face the choice of waiting for the uncertain launch or securing approximately Rs 6 million for a commercial alternative, illustrating the project’s political and financial uncertainty.
Ramleela lights up Dashain festivities
An article by Krishna Adhikari examines the decline of the 158-year-old Ramleela festival in Nepalgunj, an annual Dashain event treasured for its shared devotion among Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. The tradition, which is struggling to attract the younger generation due to digital entertainment, faced an unprecedented crisis when its 158th staging was postponed due to a night curfew imposed after the Gen Z protests in September, ultimately forcing it to be reduced to only the “Ravan-badh” episode on Bijaya Dashami.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/feature/ramleela-lights-up-dashain-festivities/
Sports infrastructure turning into ‘white elephants’
Deep Subedi, a Correspondent at Nepal News, reports that new sports infrastructure worth billions of rupees across Nepal, including Pokhara Stadium and facilities for the indefinitely postponed 10th National Games in Karnali, is turning into “white elephants” due to underutilization, as of 1:00 PM, October 1, 2025, Nepali time. The core issue is the Kathmandu-centric nature of national sports associations, which refuse to organize events outside the capital, coupled with ongoing confusion between federal and provincial governments over who is responsible for the essential maintenance and long-term management of these expensive facilities.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/sports/sports-infrastructure-turning-into-white-elephants/
Karnali farmers abandon apples and turn to walnuts
Kalendra Sejuwal, a Senior Correspondent at Nepal News, reports regarding the Karnali farmers that they are making a lucrative shift from traditional apple cultivation to commercial walnut farming, which offers higher income and less spoilage, despite a notable lack of targeted support from all three levels of government as of 1:00 PM, October 5, 2025, Nepali time. The shift is driven by the fact that mature walnut trees now covering over 2,250 hectares in Karnali can yield over Rs 1 million annually per 100 trees, eliminating the financial risk and rotting issues associated with apples. This new high-value crop, which produces expensive kernels (up to Rs 1,600/kg) and oil (Rs 2,000 per liter), has the potential to redefine the region’s agricultural identity, but its growth is being hindered by the failure of the federal and provincial governments to provide proper branding, policy, and budget.
https://english.nepalnews.com/s/business/karnali-farmers-abandon-apples-and-turn-to-walnuts/
Manaslu: How the deadly mountain became a favorite among climbers
Mani Dahal, a Special Representative of Nepal News, reports that Manaslu, once known as the “killer mountain,” has transformed into the primary “practice peak” for climbers aspiring to summit Everest, leading to a surge in autumn permits and successful ascents. The trend is exemplified by Turkish climber Merve Tekin Yildiz, who summited the 8,163-meter peak on September 25 and now plans to climb Everest and Lhotse next spring, as of 1:00 PM, October 5, 2025, Nepali time. The mountain’s popularity is fueled by expedition companies recommending it as a first 8,000-meter climb, its comparatively lower cost, and more stable autumn weather, leading to the Department of Tourism issuing 374 permits this autumn, with a success rate of approximately 90%.
