Baitadi, April 8 -- Every year between mid-March and mid-April, the holy shrines in the hill districts of Sudurpaschim Province see grand fairs (melas) and religious gatherings. These congregations see the sacrifice of hundreds of buffaloes, goats, pigeons and chickens offered to the gods.

This year was no different. Despite the nationwide lockdown in place to prevent the outbreak of Covid-19, people organised several religious fairs in many hill districts, including Bajhang and Baitadi, of the Province.

In Bannikot of Bajhang's Chhabispathibhera Rural Municipality, many locals defied the lockdown and attended Banniki Chaitali Mela, which took place from March 24 to April 6.

"Around 300 people attended the fair in the last two weeks. L...