Nepal declares September 7 national mourning, September 8 public holiday for Gen Z Martyrs’ Day

Kathmandu, September 3, 2026 — The government has decided to observe September 7 as a national day of mourning for those who lost their lives in the devastating Rasuwa floods and declare September 8 a public holiday in memory of those who died in the Gen Z movement.

The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday afternoon, according to Education and Sports Minister and government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel.

The national day of mourning for the Rasuwa flood victims will be observed on Monday, September 7, the 13th day after the disaster. On the day, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at government offices throughout Nepal as well as at Nepali embassies and diplomatic missions abroad.

According to the Cabinet decision, the national mourning is being observed in honor of those who lost their lives in what it described as an unprecedented and devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa.

The government has separately declared Tuesday, September 8, a public holiday to observe Gen Z Martyrs’ Day and honor those who lost their lives during the Gen Z movement.

The Cabinet also approved an integrated business rehabilitation plan for people, industries and businesses affected by the Rasuwa floods. Under the plan, affected individuals and businesses will receive relief from taxes and customs duties, along with other concessional facilities, to help them resume operations immediately.

The government further approved the import of 25,000 metric tons of sugar through Salt Trading Corporation and the Food Management and Trading Company at a customs duty rate of 1 percent.

Security personnel deployed in post-flood search and rescue operations will be provided with risk allowances, snack expenses and free medical treatment.

The Cabinet also decided that if a security personnel member dies while deployed in the post-flood search and rescue operations, the deceased's family will receive Rs 1 million.