Dashain markets see more crowds, but business shrinks

Although crowds have increased in Kathmandu's markets for Dashain shopping, businesses say they have not been able to do as much business as expected.

Customer traffic has grown in areas including New Road, Asan, Indrachowk, Bhotahiti, New Baneshwor, Bhrikutimandap and Koteshwar. Customers are visible from large malls to roadside stalls, but sales have not matched the crowds.

The slow market is attributed to supply disruptions caused by floods and landslides, rising prices of goods, and shrinking consumer spending capacity. As shopping through social media and online platforms grows, the nature of Dashain trade is changing.

Along with clothes and food, Dashain is increasingly becoming a season for buying houses, cars, motorcycles, mobile phones, televisions and household appliances. To attract customers, businesses have been offering discounts, cashback, exchange offers and installment schemes.

Customers with limited budgets have been drawn to Dharahara and the footpath market at New Road, where goods are cheaper than in malls and upscale shops. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has allowed footpath vendors to set up shop only after 7:30 pm.

As preparations for bringing in Fulpati get under way, crowds have gathered at Maru Ganesh, Asan and Indrachowk to buy flowers, leaves, sugarcane, ginger and banana plants along with other puja items.