A Bittersweet Dashain for Migrant Workers

Dashain is a time for family reunions, gatherings with relatives and celebration. But as the festival approaches, many Nepalis are leaving their families behind to seek work abroad. With limited employment and income opportunities at home, paying off debts, supporting families and securing a better future are taking priority over celebrating the festival together.

The festive spirit of Bada Dashain has spread across villages and cities in Nepal. Many people living away from home are returning to celebrate the festival and reunite with their loved ones.

But for some families, this festive season brings more sorrow than joy. Instead of celebrating Dashain together, some Nepalis are preparing to leave the country in search of employment.

Family responsibilities, rising living costs and limited opportunities to earn a sufficient income at home have made securing a livelihood a greater concern than celebrating the festival.

The pain of separation is not limited to those leaving for foreign employment. For the family members seeing their loved ones off, the moment is equally difficult.

The hope of celebrating Dashain together, with all family members gathered under one roof, remains unfulfilled for many. Yet, hoping for an improved financial situation and a brighter future for their families, loved ones are forced to bid farewell with heavy hearts.

Money sent home by Nepalis working abroad helps many families cover household expenses, education, healthcare and other daily necessities.

But the cost is often years of separation, with family members left to cope with loneliness even during major festivals.

Stakeholders say foreign employment can improve families’ financial circumstances, but this dependence will continue as long as adequate jobs and income opportunities remain unavailable at home.