Nepal Rastra Bank to Exchange Crisp Notes for Dashain from September 14

31st August 2025, Kathmandu

In a much-anticipated annual announcement, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has confirmed that it will provide the facility to exchange crisp banknotes for the upcoming Dashain festival.

NRB Dashain Note Exchange

This service, a cherished cultural tradition, will be available from September 14 to September 26. This initiative is a clear testament to NRB’s commitment to supporting national customs while ensuring the efficiency and quality of currency in circulation. The central bank is prepared to facilitate a smooth exchange operation, providing fresh, uncirculated notes to the general public and financial institutions to meet the festive demand.

Strategic Locations and Broad Accessibility

To ensure widespread accessibility and convenience, the NRB has made the exchange facility available at multiple locations. The service will be offered at the Currency Management Department offices in several key regional centers across the country. These strategically chosen locations are designed to cater to citizens in different provinces, reducing the need for long-distance travel and preventing overcrowding at a single location.

The NRB’s own offices, where the service will be available, include:

• Thapathali, Kathmandu (for the Kathmandu Valley)
• Biratnagar (for the Eastern region)
• Janakpur (for the Madhesh region)
• Birgunj (for the Southern region)
• Pokhara (for the Western region)
• Siddharthanagar (for the Lumbini region)
• Nepalgunj (for the Mid-Western region)
• Dhangadhi (for the Far-Western region)

In a move to further broaden the service, the NRB has also authorized commercial banks and financial institutions under categories A, B, and C to participate in the exchange. By decentralizing the service, the central bank is making it possible for citizens in remote areas and smaller towns to access the facility through their local bank branches. This collaborative approach with the broader financial sector is a key factor in the success of this annual tradition.

The Cultural and Economic Significance of Crisp Notes

The exchange of crisp notes is a deeply rooted tradition in Nepal, particularly during the Dashain festival. For many Nepalese, receiving new, uncirculated notes is considered auspicious and a symbol of good fortune. These fresh notes are an essential part of the Tika rituals, where they are presented as part of the blessings from elders to younger family members. The practice extends to other social interactions as well, with crisp notes widely exchanged among relatives, friends, and employees.

Beyond its cultural significance, the NRB’s initiative also serves a crucial economic function. It is a key component of the central bank’s broader currency management strategy. The process helps in:

Improving Currency Quality: By providing fresh notes, the NRB simultaneously collects old, worn-out, and damaged notes from circulation. This helps to maintain the overall quality and integrity of the currency, making it easier to handle and reducing the risk of counterfeiting.

Regulating Currency Supply: Dashain is a period of heightened economic activity, with a significant increase in consumption and cash transactions. The NRB’s service ensures that there is an adequate supply of high-quality currency to meet the seasonal demand, thereby maintaining stability in the financial system.

This annual exchange is a perfect example of how the central bank supports a national tradition while fulfilling its core mandate of efficient currency management.

Guidelines and Benefits for the Public

The NRB has issued clear guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient process for everyone. Individuals can visit any of the specified NRB regional offices or an authorized commercial bank/financial institution branch. The service is open to both personal and institutional customers, making it accessible to a wide range of people. It is important for citizens to note the specific dates, from Bhadra 29 to Ashoj 10, 2082, to ensure they do not miss the opportunity.

The benefits of the crisp note exchange service are multifold:

Facilitating Cultural Practices: The primary benefit is providing the public with the fresh currency they need to perform traditional rituals and greetings during the festival, thus honoring a cherished cultural custom.

Convenience and Accessibility: The collaboration between NRB and commercial banks ensures that the service is not limited to major urban centers but is available to a large segment of the population across Nepal.

Promotion of Financial Awareness: This annual interaction with banks and financial institutions can help to promote formal banking practices and encourage people to engage more with the financial system.

Conclusion

The Nepal Rastra Bank’s announcement of its annual crisp note exchange facility for Dashain is more than just a logistical service; it is an important blend of cultural support and sound central banking practice. By providing fresh banknotes from September 14 to September 26, at its regional offices and through authorized commercial banks, the NRB is ensuring that citizens can celebrate the festival with clean, crisp currency. This initiative not only honors a long-standing Nepalese tradition but also plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and stability of the national currency. It underscores the NRB’s commitment to its broad mandate of managing currency supply efficiently, while also being a responsive and responsible partner to the public and the financial system.

For More: NRB Dashain Note Exchange