Nepal government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, October 18 to mourn the death of culture expert, historian and littérateur Satya Mohan Joshi.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Fanindramani Pokharel, issued a statement on Monday and informed that a public holiday has been decided for tomorrow across the country.

Pokharel said that it was decided to lower the national flag in government offices, public organizations and diplomatic missions abroad in mourning for his death.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari along with other prominent figures of Nepal also paid homage to Joshi on Sunday.

Joshi is a three-time recipient of the Madan Puraskar for his work on folk studies, Nepali numismatics and the traditions of the Karnali region. He also founded the Rashtriya Nach Ghar as part of his effort to keep Nepali culture and art alive.

Honoured with the title of ‘Shatabdi Purush’ Joshi passed away at KIST Medical College Hospital, Lalitpur at 7:09 am on Sunday morning at the age of 103.