Nepal Rastra Bank Begins Exchange of Crisp Notes Nationwide
14th September 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central bank of Nepal, has officially started the much-anticipated distribution of fresh and crisp currency notes for the upcoming Dashain festival.
NRB Begins Note Exchange
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central bank of Nepal, has officially started the much-anticipated distribution of fresh and crisp currency notes for the upcoming Dashain festival. The exchange program began on Sunday, September 14, 2025 (Bhadra 29, 2082), and will continue until September 26, 2025 (Asoj 10, 2082). NRB spokesperson Kiran Pandit confirmed that despite recent nationwide protests and related tensions, the central bank’s infrastructure remains secure and fully capable of handling public demand. He stated that there has been no significant physical damage to NRB facilities or other financial institutions, allowing this important annual tradition to proceed as scheduled.
The Cultural Significance of “Sukila” Notes
Dashain is the biggest festival in Nepal, a celebration of family unity, blessings, and the triumph of good over evil. A cherished tradition during this time is the giving of crisp, new banknotes, known as “sukila” notes, as dakshina. This is a gift of money presented by elders to younger relatives as a form of blessing during the Tika ceremony, which marks the main day of the festival. This year, Tika falls on October 2, 2025 (Asoj 16, 2082). The act of receiving fresh, untarnished currency is considered highly auspicious, symbolizing purity and prosperity, which explains the annual surge in demand for these notes.
Convenient Exchange Locations and New Offerings
To ensure widespread access to fresh notes, the NRB has established multiple distribution points across the country. Citizens can exchange their old bills for new ones at:
- The NRB’s Currency Management Department in Thapathali, Kathmandu.
- The central bank’s provincial offices in Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj, Pokhara, Siddharthanagar, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadhi.
- All branches of commercial banks and other financial institutions nationwide.
This extensive network is designed to make the exchange process as convenient and efficient as possible for the public. This year, the central bank is also introducing new NPR 5 notes for the Dashain season, adding a special touch to the festive preparations.
Important Guidelines for the Public
To streamline the exchange process and prevent unnecessary crowding, especially in the wake of recent events, the NRB has issued a set of guidelines for the public. Customers are advised to bring a valid form of identification and their account details when visiting a bank or an NRB counter. The central bank also recommends that customers exchange only a reasonable quantity of notes to ensure a sufficient supply for everyone. The exchange window is limited to the period from Bhadra 29 to Asoj 10, and transactions will only be conducted during regular banking hours. Banks and financial institutions have been instructed to maintain adequate stock and implement efficient distribution practices to minimize waiting times and ensure a smooth process.
A Message of Economic Resilience
The NRB’s decision to proceed with the crisp note exchange program as scheduled sends a powerful message of stability and confidence in the nation’s financial system. In the aftermath of the protests, which caused temporary disruptions, the smooth rollout of this program demonstrates that Nepal’s financial infrastructure is robust and capable of maintaining essential services even during challenging times. While digital payments and mobile wallets have become increasingly popular, particularly among younger generations, the continued practice of distributing physical currency for cultural traditions highlights the central bank’s commitment to balancing modern banking trends with the preservation of Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. The festive season is a major economic event, driving up retail sales, travel, and remittances. By ensuring the availability of fresh currency, the central bank is helping to facilitate these transactions and provide the necessary liquidity for households, which in turn contributes to broader economic activity and stability. The timely action by NRB reassures the public and signals a return to normalcy.
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