Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane urged Nepalis to rise above individual self-interest and dedicate themselves to the nation and its people, extending his best wishes on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami 2083 (Dashain).
In a greeting message issued on Tuesday, Lamichhane expressed confidence that this year’s Dashain, celebrated amidst calamity and sorrow, would bind Nepali society in a stronger bond of unity. He offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in recent disasters and expressed sympathy to those grieving.
Lamichhane noted that this year’s Dashain was observed during a period of widespread tragedy, with many citizens having lost their lives and thousands of families rendered homeless or displaced. He recalled the profound sorrow of these events.
Vijaya Dashami 2083 fell on Kartik 4 (October 21, 2026, Wednesday). The festival this year was preceded by several natural disasters across Nepal. On Ashoj 25, 2083, a flood in the Budhigandaki River caused extensive damage to downstream areas.
Additionally, Madhesh Province experienced a prolonged drought due to a lack of rainfall, severely impacting drinking water and irrigation systems. This drought directly affected agriculture and daily life in Madhesh, a region often referred to as Nepal’s granary. Concerns grew that the drought could have a significant impact on the national economy.
In response to the severe drought in Madhesh Province, the federal government, during an emergency cabinet meeting on Shrawan 7, 2083 (July 23, 2025), declared eight districts of Madhesh Province as disaster-stricken areas for three months. This declaration followed the Madhesh Province government’s own declaration of the region as drought-stricken on Ashar 26, 2082.
Lamichhane expressed his belief that Dashain, which symbolizes the victory of truth over falsehood and justice over injustice, would provide new energy to move from despair to hope and from calamity to reconstruction. He also prayed that Navadurga Bhavani would grant everyone the courage to confront crises.
Lamichhane emphasized the need for national unity and collective effort to face the challenges posed by these disasters. He stated that the government and concerned stakeholders must pay special attention to the rehabilitation and relief of citizens affected by such natural calamities.
The exact number of lives lost and families displaced or rendered homeless in the disasters preceding Dashain 2083 remains unclear. Furthermore, government officials have not yet released full details regarding the origin and cause of the Budhigandaki flood.
