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Summit Tourism News centre - A Country Of Himalayas
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Nepal: A Country Of Himalayas, Heroes And Holidays
Prem Khatry
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Nepal was known for the bravery of the ‘Gurkha soldiers’ who had fought for the unification of Nepal under the leadership of Prithvinarayan Shah and for its integrity against the British along the Terai belt. Their impressive guerilla warfare skills had greatly impressed the British. The British then opened their door to their former ‘formidable’ enemy for recruitment in their Indian Army. Then there was a more peaceful time when Nepal was known for the mighty Himalayas and Lumbini, the holy birthplace of Lord Buddha. This identification we have kept till date and have earned a good size chunk of our bread.
Public holidays
With the passage of time, icons of identifications also change. At this point in time, Nepal has been a country with a record number of political parties, epoch-making political changes in the shortest possible time and, perhaps, the ever-growing public holidays. The rapid growth in the number of holidays has been seen in the most recent part of our history. Actually, three kings (Birendra, Dipendra and Gyanendra), three major political changes (2036, 2046 and 2062-3 B.S.), 13,000 odd lives and three constitutions later, we come to a saturation point when we have to work hard to find a few more open slots for possible holidays, if any.
Remember King Mahendra? He has a slightly damaged statue still standing at Durbar Marg and a headless and deformed bust at Kalimati. He once said Nepal’s poor economic standing required the determination to accomplish the targeted development in 10 years what would otherwise be accomplished in 100 years. Despite the many wrongs, the late ruler did put these words into practice. But then the Nepalis in those good old days enjoyed a sizeable package of holidays to celebrate the birth, marriage and death of the royalties. Fortunately, gone are those days. Yet, in a New Nepal we have been creating a new package of holidays, and the list is on the rise. In this context, it would be worthwhile to attempt at listing the number of total working days against the latest number of holidays the government wants the people to enjoy.
As a country of many nationalitiesethnic groups, religious faiths and traditions, customs and cultures, Nepalis are busy celebrating one occasion after another on almost a daily basis. Some festivals go for weeks to months at a stretch. Then there are holidays for the employees to observe mournings, delivery, fasting, pujas and other rituals.
There has to be strong and valid reasons behind nationally observed holidays. National events of historical significance deserve due respect, and a holiday to celebrate such an occasion is reasonable. Similarly, national heroes such as martyrs deserve honour. But there has to be other ways of honouring such figures than just giving a day off for the government and other employees.
How about the farmers, herdsmen, other workers who know no holidays in the circle of 365 days? These productive forces are always a few days to weeks or even months short of the required amount of working time. We chew on what they produce after keeping long hours and weeks in their bid to overcome the natural calamities and other forms of predicaments. And there are no holidays. We have seen the tragic result of the so-called ‘milk holidays’ a few times in the recent past.
Developed countries offer paid leave/holiday for employees so that they can tour the world, gain knowledge as well as experience and come back fully rested and refreshed to begin work. World tourism survives and thrives with these classes of happy-go-lucky travellers. With the level of our economic performance, we cannot afford such a luxury in terms of holidays for workers whether in the public or private sectors.
Nepal is now preparing moves towards a federal structure. The new constitution will guarantee various rights to the people, including the need for leisure and enjoyment. In doing so, it is equally important to assess the need to invest more human energy per person per hour. Without such a concerted effort to build the nation left by the past governments at this level, we will not move forward with the desired pace and commitment. This is as clear as daylight.
Revision
The number of holidays now enjoyed by the Nepali workforce is beyond our carrying capacity. There is no regional/local balance. Take for example the Lhosar (New Year) festival. There are three Lhosars - Sonam, Tola and Gyalbo - celebrated by the Himalayan Buddhists - Magar/Gurung, Tamang and Sherpa people. From this year on, the government decided to observe two Lhosars as national holidays. With such a precedent, the crowd of 103 plus ethnic minorities can claim similar holidays as their rights against the prevailing custom that a holiday is a facility, not a right. In order to maintain a balanced approach, it is now time we revise our holiday calendar, make categories of leaves, holidays/vacations and facilities to go with them. Often times our holidays and facilities have been great sources of laughter rather than facilities and respect for tradition.
Expression of Tourism
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