Dashain, Nepal’s most celebrated festival, is usually a time for family gatherings, blessings, and festivities. It’s not just a religious and cultural event but also a crucial social occasion. What’s particularly striking during Dashain is the mass return of people working or studying in Kathmandu to their hometowns across the country. Their heartstrings pull them back to their roots and loved ones as the festival approaches, highlighting the cultural, emotional, and economic significance of Dashain for Nepalese.
The journey home for Dashain is filled with anticipation and a deep sense of belonging. Traveling long distances, crowded transportation, and sharing gifts, money, and food are common. The salary bonuses they receive enhance the celebrations, underlining the importance of returning home during this festive time.
This annual migration is a heartwarming reminder that, despite how far people may travel, there’s no place like home during festivals.