Dashain becomes expensive as market price skyrockets

Dashain is now just three weeks away. With the arrival of Dashain, many people look worried because of skyrocketing prices of every consumable item. As prices of food, clothes and transportation fare increased, the people are worried as to how they would manage the Dahsain expenses.

From porters of New Road to school teachers, media workers and lower-level civil servants found themselves in a difficult situation thanks to the high price rises. "Due to skyrocketing prices of goods, our daily expenses have also increased. Managing expenses for Dashain has become an additional challenge,” a porter said.

He said he needed at least Rs. 40,000 to celebrate the festival, which he cannot earn in three weeks. The situation of many others including the employees who live on fixed pay is no different because of the ever-rising prices of goods ranging from daily consumption items to clothing and transportation fares. According to businessmen, prices of ready-made clothes, shoes and electrical appliances will be 20 per cent higher this Dashain than last year. The transportation fare has already increased by above 30 per cent and consumable goods by 15 per cent this year than last year due to the price hike of petroleum products. In the meantime, aviation fare has also increased significantly.

Increment in the transportation fare adds a financial burden to the people to go to their hometowns from Kathmandu to celebrate Dashain.

The Ukraine-Russia war and a strong US dollar are blamed for the high prices of everything. Since most of the goods have to be imported from abroad, all the goods coming to Nepal have become expensive because of the rising dollar value.

As Dashain is the festival at which people buy and wear new clothes, eat delicious meals and travel to receive Tika from seniors, they need more money. When prices go high, their expenses also increase.

As a result, many people with poor financial conditions seek loans while others have to work days and nights to increase their income. People also sell their property and use the savings to celebrate Dashain.

Even the businessmen operating their shops in the Kathmandu Valley do not look happy this time as they have been unable to do expected business even on the eve of the festivals. Meanwhile, after China closed the customs points connected with Nepal due to the spread of COVID-19, hundreds of containers carrying goods are now stranded in Tibet, China. This means there will be a shortage of goods in the market this Dashain.