The Parbat district administration office has banned the fair and holy dip in Kaligandaki river, a traditional celebration observed on the occasion of every Nepali New Year that falls on the Nepali month of Baisakh 1, due to coronavirus fear.

The administration has urged people not to organise any fair and cultural gatherings and conduct puja in view of risks posed by the infection, according to a notice issued by the administration on Thursday. The government has imposed lockdown across the country over the infection. Chief District Officer Kalpana Ghimire in the notice urged people to abide by the state government’s direction in this regard.