The government has asked the general public to cut down the use of 'festive lights'and heave electricity consuming electrical appliances such as ricecooker, Heater, AC etc, during Tihar this year. Issuing a public notice on Monday, October 20, 2014, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has urged general public not to use colorful lights during Tihar, ironically, the festival of lights. The government has also issued a notice urging the public not to organise Deusi Bhailo programmes after 7pm during the upcoming Tihar festival. In a statement on Friday, the Home Ministry said the notice was issued as a measure to maintain law and order during the festival, which falls on October 21-25. Deusi Bhailo is an integral part of Tihar when people visit the houses of their neighbours and relatives to sing traditional songs. In recent years, Deusi Bhailo troupes have also been performing popular songs and dance for entertainment. The ministry has said such activities encourage “unwanted and undesirable incidents” that may affect security. The ministry has also asked the public to refrain from the use of firecrackers, another activity that is associated with Tihar and Chhath festivals. The statement reads that anyone found selling or using firecrackers during the festival faces legal action.
