Dashain Market Becomes More Expensive This Year

Sabika Shrestha/Kamala Aryal

As Dashain the biggest festival of Nepalis approaches, markets across Nepal are witnessing increased crowds, but consumers are facing higher prices for essential goods.

This year’s Dashain shopping has become more expensive compared to previous years. Consumers have complained that market prices have increased as sufficient goods have not been able to reach the markets due to the floods of August 26.

Consumers who have reached the markets to purchase new clothes, shoes, household items and other essential goods for Dashain say prices are significantly higher compared to last year.

Consumers say managing festival expenses has become difficult as their incomes have not increased despite the rise in prices. They have demanded that the government make market monitoring more effective to control price hikes during Dashain.

On the other hand, although markets are seeing activity and crowds, business is not as strong as in previous years, according to traders.

They say the supply of goods for Dashain has been affected by rainfall, floods, landslides and road obstructions, which have prevented goods from reaching markets from various parts of the country.

Business operators and traders acknowledge that the cost of goods has increased due to delays in transportation on the one hand and rising transportation costs on the other.

Taking advantage of the festive season, traders are accused of increasing prices, creating artificial shortages, engaging in black marketing, and selling and distributing inedible goods.

Although the government says it conducts market monitoring to prevent such practices, consumers claim that government monitoring is carried out merely for show.