The seven-day banda started with a lukewarm response in Kathmandu . Contrary to fears that the strike would start with bombings, destroying of shops and blowing up of vehicles, businesses in the interior parts of the valley remained opened and the vehicles including many motorcycles, some taxis and public buses were seen running around the city.

WEB EXCLUSIVE | PHOTO GALLERY
ALL PICS: NARESH NEWAR

Good business
With most of the restaurants closed, the vendors in New Road had the perfect opportunity to sell junk food.


Public transport
Buses, private cars, taxis and motorcycles were seen plying openly in the main streets in places like Putali Sadak. Kathmanduities had no trouble commuting even outside the Ring Road areas.


Banda?
A young Japanese tourist asks whether the strike has been postponed as she enters the restaurant in Durbar Marg . Half of the restaurants here remained open.


Vendors\' day
The shops remained closed in Asan but the street vendors were able to sell more products today than most days.