Dashain Market Crowds Increase but Sales Remain Low in Kathmandu

20th September 2025, Kathmandu

As Nepal gradually recovers from recent Gen-Z protests, the festival season has brought people back to the markets. With Dashain approaching, traditional shopping hubs such as New Road, Asan, Indrachowk, Lagankhel, and Mangalbazar are witnessing heavy foot traffic. However, traders say that sales are not matching the crowds.

Crowds Without Sales in Dashain Markets

Traders in Kathmandu report that although the markets look busy, actual business transactions remain weak. Many customers are limiting purchases to essential Dashain items, leaving non-essential goods unsold.

New Road clothing trader Sonu Gupta explained that the crowd is there, but buyers are spending less:

“People are only buying what they need. Sales are down compared to previous years, even though we source most of our goods from India,” she said.

Traders Facing Impact of Recent Protests

The recent protests left a significant mark on Nepal’s business sector. Small and medium traders say they are the hardest hit.

Prabha Shrestha, a trader from Asan, noted that business has only just started to pick up:

“Because of the protests, trade was slow. Sales are slightly improving now, but they are still lower than in past years,” she said.

Similarly, Ramesh Shrestha, who recently opened a shop in New Road, shared his struggles:

“The protests have hurt small traders the most. Compared to last year, my sales have dropped sharply,” he said.

Some Shops See Stable Business

While many traders are worried, some areas are still seeing normal business. Rekha Paudel Shrestha from New Road said her shop was stocked and sales were running as expected during the Dashain rush.

Customers Concerned Over Price Hikes

Shoppers also expressed dissatisfaction with rising Dashain prices.

Customer Bipana Pyakurel said prices had gone up by Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 on average:

“The goods aren’t as good as before, and the prices are definitely higher,” she explained.

Another buyer, Bimal Giri, added that inflation and opportunistic price hikes during economic slowdowns discourage people from spending more.

Outlook for Dashain Business in Nepal

Despite the rush in Kathmandu’s traditional markets, most traders remain cautious. The ongoing effects of protests, inflation, and cautious consumer spending suggest that Dashain 2025 sales may not reach previous years’ levels. Traders are hoping that sales will rise significantly by Fulpati and Tika, the main festival days.

For more: Dashain Market Crowds Increase