KATHMANDU, March 21 -- Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has instructed the banks and financial institutions to maintain banking services for transactions outside the valley on the occasion of Ghode Jatra, even though it is a public holiday in Kathmandu Valley.

The central issued a notice on Monday and said that it has instructed the banks and financial institutions to make arrangements so that the banking services will not be affected today.

"Although there is a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley on the day of Ghode Jatra, this notice has been issued to keep the relevant departments and offices of licensed banks and financial institutions open to maintain necessary banking services such as cash transactions, electronic check payment (ECC), R...