March 21: The Department of Passports will remain open for service seekers today, despite a public holiday on the occasion of Ghodejatra festival in the Kathmandu valley.    
The department will remain open and provide its regular services from 10 am to 2:30 pm on Tuesday, said information officer of the Department, Khimananda Bhusal.    
Meanwhile, the Nepal Rastra Bank has instructed banks and financial institutions to continue with their service today.    
Issuing a notice on Monday, the central bank has instructed the BFIs to make arrangements for regular banking services during Ghodejatra. NRFB has also urged BFIs to consider giving continuity to such services outside the valley. -- RSS