# Dashain festival celebrations, commerce, and logistics in NP

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dashain-festival-celebrations-and-commerce-in-nepal
> Updated: 2026-10-13T10:32:41.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 6.

As the Dashain festival progresses, the exodus from the Kathmandu Valley has intensified. The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office reports that over 109,000 people have departed for their hometowns since Ghatasthapana, traveling in more than 17,000 vehicles. This movement includes 41,946 women and 67,690 men, causing heavy traffic at major exit points such as Nagdhunga, Pharping, and Bhaktapur.

To ensure public safety during the Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals, Nepal Police has implemented a special security plan. This involves the nationwide mobilization of 50,458 personnel to protect citizens and property while preventing crimes such as theft, fraud, and illegal smuggling through open borders. Security forces are deployed across all seven provinces, with the highest concentrations located in Koshi, Lumbini, and Madhesh provinces.

## Claims

- The ten-day Vijaya Dashami festival began in Nepal on Sunday with the observance of Ghatasthapana. (single source)
- On the first day of the festival, devotees worship the deity Shailaputri. (single source)
- The first day involves sowing barley seeds in a mud jar to grow Jamara. (single source)
- Evening attendance at the Maitidevi Temple has increased during the festival season. (single source)
- Lighting and orderly premises at Maitidevi Temple have enhanced its appearance and facilitated worship. (single source)
- Government offices in Nepal are closed for one week and educational institutions for nearly two weeks for the festival. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: Nepal mobilizes security and manages traffic for Dashain festival

Nepal has mobilized over 50,000 police personnel for festive security as more than 109,000 people leave the Kathmandu Valley to celebrate Dashain with their families.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-mobilizes-security-and-manages-traffic-for-dashain-festival

### 2026-10-11: Kathmandu Valley prepares for Dashain festival amid travel and supply surges

Kathmandu Valley faces a massive exodus of nearly 57,000 people for Dashain, while authorities intensify market monitoring and gas cylinder exchange programs to prevent shortages.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kathmandu-valley-prepares-for-dashain-festival-amid-travel-and-supply-surges

### 2026-10-11: Nepal observes Ghatasthapana to mark start of Dashain festival

Nepal has begun celebrating the ten-day Vijaya Dashami festival, starting with the ritual of Ghatasthapana. Temples in the Kathmandu Valley are decorated with lights as national holidays are observed.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-observes-ghatasthapana-to-mark-start-of-dashain-festival

### 2026-10-07: Nepal implements transport and security measures for Dashain festivals

Nepal is preparing for the Dashain and Tihar festivals by opening advance bus ticket bookings and deploying over 7,000 police personnel in Madhesh Province to manage crowds and ensure security.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-implements-transport-and-security-measures-for-dashain-festivals

### 2026-10-04: Dashain festival celebrations and festive promotions in Nepal

Nepal celebrates the Dashain festival through traditional rituals and family reunions, while Bhatbhateni and Sipradi Trading launch a festive campaign offering Tata Punch EVs as prizes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dashain-festival-celebrations-and-festive-promotions-in-nepal

### 2026-10-02: Nepal businesses launch festive campaigns for Dashain season

Multiple businesses in Nepal, including Western Union, Siddhartha Bank, Daraz, and Chino, have launched festive sales and remittance campaigns for the Dashain and Tihar seasons.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nepal-businesses-launch-festive-campaigns-for-dashain-season

---
Cite as: Dashain festival celebrations, commerce, and logistics in NP. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dashain-festival-celebrations-and-commerce-in-nepal