No Dashain mood in earthquake-hit Jajarkot villages

Around 76,000 homes were damaged by the quake across Jajarkot and Rukum West on November 3, 2023. Most victims have yet to receive reconstruction aid.

Until two years ago, Dashain time in most villages of Jajarkot meant vibrant gatherings—villagers coming together to set up swings, sing and dance and take part in various sporting activities. Those same villages lie eerily silent now. Struck hard by the earthquake that hit Barekot in Jajarkot district on November 3, 2023, the affected families have once again refrained from planting jamara, an essential ritual of the 15-day Dashain festival, in their temporary huts this festive season as well.