The Far Western Province government has decided to declare a public holiday on Poush 30 to mark the Maghi festival of the Tharu community.

The provincial government has decided to declare a public holiday on Poush 30, as the Tharu community in western Nepal will start celebrating the Maghi festival from the last day of Poush.

On the last day of Poush, the Tharu community has a tradition of killing a ‘Jita’ (boar) and celebrating the festival collectively. Even the provincial gazette mentions Poush 30 as a public holiday.

The Tharu community has a tradition of celebrating Maghi festival as a new year. From the last day of Poush to Magh 1 and 2, Magh 1 is specially celebrated.

On this occasion, Magh 1 has been declared a public holiday as a national festival, and since then, public holidays have been declared by the local level as well.