Tihar’s Light and Citizens’ Unfulfilled Hopes

Tihar is a festival of light, warmth and goodwill. As we light the traditional lamps, we pray that darkness will recede, peace and happiness will fill our homes, and prosperity will brighten our lives. On this auspicious occasion, we extend our heartfelt wishes for happiness, peace, good health and prosperity to all Nepali sisters and brothers.

Yet the festival’s radiance should not obscure the challenges facing society. Festivals bring families together, but they also offer an opportunity to ask whether the state is attentive to the hardships of its citizens. This year, rising prices, a shortage of jobs, the growing cost of education and healthcare, and the struggle to recover from disasters have left many families anxious. Annual inflation reached 6.34 percent in September, while food inflation stood at 7.54 percent—figures that reflect the growing strain on household budgets.

The situation remains especially difficult for families affected by floods and landslides. According to the National Planning Commission’s preliminary assessment, flooding in the Sunkoshi–Bhotekoshi river system caused an estimated Rs 472.66 billion in damage and economic losses nationwide. Reconstruction and recovery are expected to require Rs 706.65 billion. These figures must not remain confined to reports. Displaced families need safe homes, children need uninterrupted access to education, farmers need the means to restore their livelihoods, and damaged roads and bridges must be rebuilt without delay.

The government must prioritise issues that directly affect people’s daily lives. Young people need dignified employment at home; families need affordable, quality healthcare; public education must improve; farmers deserve fair prices for their produce; and consumers need relief from rising costs. These priorities require clear targets, firm deadlines and regular progress reports. A government’s success should be measured by improvements citizens can see in their lives, not by announcements and assurances.

At Tihar, we illuminate our homes. Governance, too, must be illuminated by transparency, accountability and justice. Relief and rehabilitation for disaster-affected people, control of inflation, job creation, and equal access to education and healthcare must be high on the government’s agenda. Addressing these basic expectations is what will give substance to the goodwill expressed during the festival.

May the light of the lamps bring hope to every home, renewed confidence to families facing hardship and disaster, and a stronger sense of public responsibility across state institutions. We once again extend our warm wishes to all Nepalis for a joyful, peaceful and prosperous Tihar.