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Summary:

Nepal Electricity Authority has launched Nepal Digital Infrastructure Company to build and share digital backbone infrastructure (optical fiber, underground ducts, poles) with ISPs on a plug-and-play rental model. The goal is to expand affordable, quality internet—especially in remote areas—reduce duplicate civil works, clear overhead cable clutter in Kathmandu, lower ISPs’ capital spending, and shift competition to service quality. The company will also offer data-center services and prioritize underground duct sharing to improve urban aesthetics and safety.

Key points:

• New state-owned company (subsidiary of Nepal Electricity Authority) now fully operational to develop and rent passive digital assets.
• ISPs get plug-and-play access to optical fiber, ducts and poles—no need for separate pole installation or repeated road digging.
• Expected benefits: lower ISP capex, cheaper internet for consumers, reduced cable clutter and fire/accident risks, and faster rural connectivity.
• Focus on competition based on service quality rather than duplicate infrastructure; plans include data-center services and supporting national digital-connectivity goals.

Archive: https://archive.is/PARoQ

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/66943688

Summary:

Biska (Bisket) Jatra, a nine-day, eight-night festival in Bhaktapur with roots believed to date to the Licchavi period, began on April 10. It culminates on Baisakh 5 and includes chariot processions, ritual tug-of-war between the town’s lower (Kwone) and upper (Thane) residents, animal sacrifices, tantric rites, and ceremonial raising and lowering of the Yosin Dyo (lingo/pole).

Key events:

• Day 1: Chariot-pulling tug-of-war (Bhailakh) between Kwone and Thane; if Thane wins the chariot is pulled to Dattatreya, then returned to Ga:hiti.
• Day 2: Rest (“zero”) day.
• Day 3: Buffalo sacrifice at Bhairavnath Ga:hiti; meat distributed as prasad (“Syakwatyakwah”).
• Day 4: Erection of the ceremonial pole (Yosin Dyo) — a major ritual symbolising the old year’s farewell and the new year’s arrival; tantric rites performed in the evening; two flags (Bir Dhwaja, Bishwo Dhwaja) hung on the pole.
• Day 5 (Baisakh 1, Nepali New Year): Large gatherings at Lyasingkhel and Chupinghat; worship of Bhairav, Bhadrakali, Betal and Yosin Dyo; cock sacrifice to Betal; chariots collide in the “Sangam Jatra” (Dyo Lwakigu Jatra); Taleju (Dumaju) chariot festival observed.
• Days 6–7: Processions for Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, Brahmayani, Maheshwari and other deities; Sindoor Jatra and other local jathras.
• Day 8: Deities are placed in shrines and courtyards for “Dyo Swaga Puja” (Sagun Jatra).
• Day 9: Morning ceremonial lowering of the Yosin Dyo at Kumale Tole Talako; evening Chhuma Ganesh procession; festival ends with another tug-of-war between Thane and Kwone.

Strict security measures are enforced throughout. The festival is rich in traditional rituals, music, and community participation and is also referred to locally as an “enemy-destroying festival.”

Archive: https://archive.is/H4F2B

Nepal’s Sajha Yatayat has successfully converted an old diesel bus into an electric bus, marking a major step toward sustainable public transportation. Although the conversion was completed over a year ago at a cost of around NPR 8 million, the bus has yet to operate on the roads due to the lack of clear legal provisions. The 14-year-old bus stands as a powerful example of innovation meeting regulatory challenges. However, with the government now promising legal reforms, there is renewed hope that such electric buses will soon be seen on Nepal’s streets. We visited the Sajha Yatayat premises and spoke with CEO Bhupendra Aryal to gather deeper insights into this initiative.

Invidious: https://inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=_rMPX_BgXpo