It was 19th March, 2016 and I was in Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal for my research meetings. Our team had a hectic daylong meeting and discussions on "Is Dust manageable in Kathmandu Valley?" in spite of exhaustion, our enthusiasm overruled. Why not, it was time for earth Hour Celebration. As I am involved in a research project under WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Nepal, I had the privilege to join the celebration along with WWF Nepal staffs.

Before giving details on the way I celebrated, I would like to give a brief description on Earth Hour. Earth Hour is one of the largest worldwide movements organized by WWF, internationally commenced since March, 2007. The purpose behind the movement is to reduce energy consumption by switching off all non- essential lights for an hour, 8.30pm to 9.30pm local time. The tagline for this global campaign is Shine A Light on Climate Action, change climate change.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, listed in UNESCO World Heritage site was chosen as a venue for the celebration. I along with my research team members reached the venue by 5pm and helped in the arrangement of DIYA (oil lamp) giving a shape of 60+ Nepal. The program formally kick started at 6pm with a short introduction of why Earth Hour is celebrated.  Dr. Ghana S. Gurung, Senior Conservation Director of WWF Nepal briefly highlighted the present situation of energy crisis in Nepal (we face daily power cut off for 14 hours). So instead of switching off the lights, darkness was illuminated with diya. Then few young poets recited their poetry slam relevant to changing climate and global warming. The specific designed black T- shirts worn by the organizing team gave a touch of solidarity.

Hundreds of audiences were present to see the celebration with appreciable media coverage about the event. Thus, it was a glad moment for me to join this largest movement of Earth Hour with WWF Nepal team.

Last but not the least, Belated Happy Earth Hour :)