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At present, the main entry and exit points of Kathmandu are crowded with people leaving the valley. Large gatherings of passengers can be seen at Gongabu Bus Park, Kalanki, Koteshwor, and Jadibuti as they wait for buses.

Since early morning, the pressure of vehicles heading out of Kathmandu toward different destinations has made various checkpoints around the city chaotic.

As Dashain approaches, kites have started appearing in the sky. Flying kites holds a special significance during the festival, as people enjoy the celebration by sending colorful kites soaring above.

Children and youths, in particular, fly kites with great excitement, adding more joy to the festive atmosphere. The tradition of kite flying is often seen as a symbol of freedom and happiness.

In Chikamugal, Kathmandu, Dipendra Kumar Ranjitkar has been selling kites every Dashain for nearly four decades. In earlier times, his shop used to be crowded with customers, but in recent years, the number of buyers has declined.

A simple kite costs between Rs 10 and Rs 40, while paper-made Nepali kites crafted especially for Dashain are more expensive. The price of spools (lattai) ranges from Rs 120 for a small one to Rs 1,000–1,200 for larger ones.

Although kite-making is mainly for Dashain, Ranjitkar begins preparing them right after Indra Jatra.

Flying kites during Dashain is not just a game—it brings families and communities together, adds joy to the festival, and helps preserve culture and tradition. With colorful kites soaring high, the festive spirit becomes even more vibrant.

Photos: Nepal Photo Library

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The ‘Fair Price Shop’ run by the Food Management and Trading Company Limited under the Bagmati Provincial Office in Thapathali, has gained popularity among consumers this festive season. Targeting Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat, and Chhath, the initiative has provided relief to households at a time of rising prices and market uncertainty.

According to Dharma Kumari Rajbanshi, head of the provincial office, the main objective of the Fair Price Shops is to make essential food items available at reasonable prices during festivals. “During festivals, some traders tend to raise prices unnaturally. Our goal is to balance the market and give relief to consumers,” she said.

This year, 53 types of goods are being sold at discounted rates. Discounts include Rs 5 per kilogram on rice, Rs 7 on oil, Rs 10 on spices, and up to Rs 10 on indigenous crops. Rajbanshi said consumer attraction toward Fair Price Shops has increased this year, especially since large marts like Bhatbhateni have not been operating fully due to the GenZ movement.

“People are showing more trust here than in big outside markets. Daily crowds are also increasing,” she added. The company has already stored over 33,000 metric tons of food and reported no major shortages.

To make the scheme more effective, goods can also be purchased online through a portal and mobile app. “Free home delivery is available for purchases above Rs 5,000, and there is no compromise on quality,” Rajbanshi said.

Currently, shops are operating in Thapathali, Ramshahpath, Nakkhu, and Dakshinkali, with a new branch already launched in Godavari. Plans are underway to expand to Changunarayan and Rasuwa by Tihar.

Consumer Toran Bahadur Shakya, who came to shop at Thapathali, said he found daily essentials easily available. “From lentils, pulses, rice, biscuits to ghee and tea, there are many options. Lentils cost Rs 170 outside, but here it’s Rs 163. The difference is clear,” he said, adding that such shops should run year-round for greater relief.

Similarly, shopper Kalpana Thapa shared her satisfaction: “The rice here is not only cheaper but also tastier. Shopping is convenient, the crowd is managed, and product options are abundant. If this service continued throughout the year, it would greatly help low-income families.”

As festival crowds often push ordinary consumers under the pressure of high prices, Fair Price Shops have helped stabilize prices and provide real relief. With expansion plans, online services, and quality assurance, officials believe consumer trust will continue to grow. Many shoppers say the initiative would be even more impactful if operated year-round, not just during festivals.

Text & Photos: Nepal Photo Library

The people of the Madhes are now calling upon the gods every day, pleading for water. With bowed heads, they are praying to the earth for drinking water. Villages are organizing grand religious rituals to ask for rain. In temples and shrines, priests and devotees can be seen gazing at the sky, holding flowers and offerings in their palms, invoking the gods—especially Lord Indra, the god of rain—for mercy.

Why wouldn’t they turn to the divine, when the government has failed to act? The people of Madhes are spending their days searching for water to quench their thirst and for irrigation to grow food for survival. The drought has disrupted the entire agricultural cycle in the region. Crops like rice, vegetables, maize, and fruits are all facing severe challenges due to the lack of rainfall.