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As Dashain approaches, kites have started appearing in the sky. Flying kites holds a special significance during the festival, as people enjoy the celebration by sending colorful kites soaring above.

Children and youths, in particular, fly kites with great excitement, adding more joy to the festive atmosphere. The tradition of kite flying is often seen as a symbol of freedom and happiness.

In Chikamugal, Kathmandu, Dipendra Kumar Ranjitkar has been selling kites every Dashain for nearly four decades. In earlier times, his shop used to be crowded with customers, but in recent years, the number of buyers has declined.

A simple kite costs between Rs 10 and Rs 40, while paper-made Nepali kites crafted especially for Dashain are more expensive. The price of spools (lattai) ranges from Rs 120 for a small one to Rs 1,000–1,200 for larger ones.

Although kite-making is mainly for Dashain, Ranjitkar begins preparing them right after Indra Jatra.

Flying kites during Dashain is not just a game—it brings families and communities together, adds joy to the festival, and helps preserve culture and tradition. With colorful kites soaring high, the festive spirit becomes even more vibrant.

Photos: Nepal Photo Library

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The ‘Fair Price Shop’ run by the Food Management and Trading Company Limited under the Bagmati Provincial Office in Thapathali, has gained popularity among consumers this festive season. Targeting Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat, and Chhath, the initiative has provided relief to households at a time of rising prices and market uncertainty.

According to Dharma Kumari Rajbanshi, head of the provincial office, the main objective of the Fair Price Shops is to make essential food items available at reasonable prices during festivals. “During festivals, some traders tend to raise prices unnaturally. Our goal is to balance the market and give relief to consumers,” she said.

This year, 53 types of goods are being sold at discounted rates. Discounts include Rs 5 per kilogram on rice, Rs 7 on oil, Rs 10 on spices, and up to Rs 10 on indigenous crops. Rajbanshi said consumer attraction toward Fair Price Shops has increased this year, especially since large marts like Bhatbhateni have not been operating fully due to the GenZ movement.

“People are showing more trust here than in big outside markets. Daily crowds are also increasing,” she added. The company has already stored over 33,000 metric tons of food and reported no major shortages.

To make the scheme more effective, goods can also be purchased online through a portal and mobile app. “Free home delivery is available for purchases above Rs 5,000, and there is no compromise on quality,” Rajbanshi said.

Currently, shops are operating in Thapathali, Ramshahpath, Nakkhu, and Dakshinkali, with a new branch already launched in Godavari. Plans are underway to expand to Changunarayan and Rasuwa by Tihar.

Consumer Toran Bahadur Shakya, who came to shop at Thapathali, said he found daily essentials easily available. “From lentils, pulses, rice, biscuits to ghee and tea, there are many options. Lentils cost Rs 170 outside, but here it’s Rs 163. The difference is clear,” he said, adding that such shops should run year-round for greater relief.

Similarly, shopper Kalpana Thapa shared her satisfaction: “The rice here is not only cheaper but also tastier. Shopping is convenient, the crowd is managed, and product options are abundant. If this service continued throughout the year, it would greatly help low-income families.”

As festival crowds often push ordinary consumers under the pressure of high prices, Fair Price Shops have helped stabilize prices and provide real relief. With expansion plans, online services, and quality assurance, officials believe consumer trust will continue to grow. Many shoppers say the initiative would be even more impactful if operated year-round, not just during festivals.

Text & Photos: Nepal Photo Library

Rain is expected during this year’s Dashain festival, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), which has issued a special Dashain weather bulletin. The bulletin indicates that rainfall may occur in many areas from Ashtami and Nawami to Dashami. Although continuous heavy rain is unlikely, intermittent showers are possible.

DHM has advised travelers to check daily forecasts and road conditions during the festival, as weather can vary across regions.

On Sept 30 (Ashtami), light to moderate rain is expected in the hilly areas of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, as well as in some parts of Koshi’s hills and Tarai. On Nawami, Oct 1, certain hilly areas in Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces may experience light to moderate rainfall.

By Oct 2 (Dashami), the monsoon is predicted to become somewhat active, with rain possible in the hilly regions of Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces, as well as in parts of Koshi’s hills and Tarai. Light to moderate rain may also occur in limited areas of Madhesh and Sudurpashchim.Heavy rainfall could occur in one or two locations in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces on Dashami.

Overall, the monsoon’s influence is expected to continue throughout this year’s Dashain period. While the monsoon generally withdraws around Oct 2 in Nepal, the exact date varies from year to year.

Curiosity, it seems, is an integral part of Dashain. As relatives gather, it’s inevitable that they will ask intrusive questions because they are ‘curious’ or ‘concerned’. And these are more often than not directed at the young girls in the family—questions and comments about their career, marriage, and even weight gain are unavoidable. ApEx spoke to some young girls to find out how they deal with this situation. 

Anjali Machamasi, 21 

I don’t like people gossiping so I ignore them. I just walk away. But some are really persistent. I’m slim and fit but people always say that I’m too skinny. It bothers me a little because I’m not conscious of my body but people try to make me feel out of place. People don’t realize that comments about body type and weight can have a negative impact and make you insecure. This can also affect your relationship with others. I try not to take the comments seriously but it can become a little harrowing during Dashain as there is no escaping rude and uncalled for remarks. However, I try to keep a positive mind and not let what others think or say define me. People will gossip and pass judgements but it depends on you whether or not to let it affect you. 

Jeli Shakya, 25

I usually just listen politely and don’t engage much in gossip, especially since it’s often the elders talking. Out of respect, I don’t confront them, but I also try not to add anything to the conversation. I’ve been the target of gossip during festivals. People often comment on my weight, saying I’m too thin. It’s strange because those who are healthier than me are called ‘moti’ and given unsolicited diet advice. There is no escaping criticism no matter what so you just have to buckle up for it, I guess. I have to admit that it makes Dashain a bit stressful. However, I want to ensure that I don’t partake in such situations and break the cycle by showing empathy and encouraging conversations that uplift and inspire. 

Sajira Shrestha, 26 

Festivals have always been a space for gossip and conversations among family members and relatives. Some of these exchanges are lighthearted and help create a cheerful mood. However, others disguise hurtful comments as casual gossip. Since childhood, I’ve been rebellious. I never hesitate to confront my relatives when they speak negatively about others, or even about me. Unfortunately, whenever relatives come to my home, they often make comments about my body, telling me I need to go on a diet and exercise because I look fat. Lately, they’ve also started asking when I plan to get married and whether I have a boyfriend. What should be a friendly get-together often turns into an upsetting experience for me. When conversations feel like personal attacks, insecurity and doubts creep in. I believe if you feel uncomfortable, it’s better to confront those who ask meaningless questions.  

As a young working girl in my family, I feel stressed out by the things my family members and relatives say like why do I need to work at this age and things along those lines. I sometimes overhear things that I’m not meant to hear. It makes me sad and I lose confidence. How can I manage my feelings and deal with judgmental relatives?

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist

Many young people, especially women, face experiences like this, and I’ve seen such cases before. It’s quite common among youth, and it can be deeply painful—not just because of the words themselves, but because they often come from people we expect to support us. There are psychological and cultural reasons behind this. From a young age, we are conditioned by societal expectations, especially around gender roles, which makes it difficult to deal with criticism or rejection when we don’t meet those standards. 

Repeated exposure to negative comments, especially when we already struggle with low self-esteem, can make us even more vulnerable to emotional hurt. Our brains often interpret emotional pain—such as gossip or judgment—almost like physical pain, which is why we can feel overwhelmed. To cope with this, it’s important to allow ourselves to process our emotions rather than suppress them. Acknowledge what you’re feeling, but remind yourself that these words don’t define who you are. Writing down your thoughts or viewing the situation from a different perspective can help bring clarity. 

Building inner strength is also key—for example, by saying to yourself: “Yes, this hurts, but what they say reflects more about them than about me.” You don’t always have to confront others, but even mentally reinforcing your boundaries can make a difference. Remind yourself, “I am doing well, and I’m proud of myself,” and try to share your feelings with people who truly value and support you. A helpful metaphor is to imagine yourself as a mountain—the gossip is just an echo. It might be loud, but it can’t move the mountain. Others may try to shape the echo, but they cannot change your core. 

Just because someone says something doesn’t mean you have to believe it or act on it. Your worth is not determined by others’ opinions. And if things ever feel too heavy to carry alone, it’s perfectly okay to seek therapy or professional help. Taking care of your mental health is a strength, not a weakness.

Tickets for the much-awaited Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday have been completely sold out. Organisers told Geo News that the 28,000-seater stadium will be fully packed with fans filling every spot for the high-voltage clash.

In their previous encounters in the tournament, the two arch-rivals have attracted huge numbers, with 20,000 spectators filling up the stadium for the group match on September 14 and 17,000 for the Super Four clash on Sept 21.

Forty-one years have passed since the inaugural Asia Cup in 1984, and for the first time, India and Pakistan have reached the final together. In both encounters at the Asia Cup 2025, India has decisively defeated Pakistan. Pakistan has lost 12 of its 15 T20I matches against India.

Skipper Salman Agha and his troops almost crashed out after Bangladesh had them in a corner during their Super Fours fixture. However, Pakistan managed to win by 11 runs and advance to the final.

Before the final, India had an injury scare with Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya suffering from cramps during the final Super Fours contest against Sri Lanka. They spent the majority of the season on the sidelines but have been declared fit before the rivalry clash.

ANI

Nepal created history in Sharjah with a memorable 19-run win against the West Indies, marking their first-ever victory over a Full Member nation across formats. While they had beaten Afghanistan in a T20I back in 2014, Afghanistan was an Associate team back then, making this triumph all the more special.

This was Nepal's maiden T20I outing against the West Indies and also the start of their first bilateral series against a Full Member. They rose to the occasion in style, dominating the two-time world champions with a complete team effort, six batters cleared the ropes, six bowlers chipped in with wickets, and their fielding was sharp throughout.

West Indies, led by Akeal Hosein, had four debutants and opted to chase after winning the toss. Nepal lost both openers early, but skipper Rohit Paudel steadied the innings alongside Kushal Malla, whose aggressive strokeplay shifted the momentum. Malla's sixes off Fabian Allen and Obed McCoy set the tone before he and Paudel added a vital 58-run stand. Despite late wickets, including a triple strike from Jason Holder in the nineteenth over, Nepal posted a fighting total of 148/8.

Chasing 149, West Indies began with a boundary from Kyle Mayers, but their innings faltered soon after. A brilliant direct hit from Kushal Bhurtel sent Mayers packing. With the pitch making strokeplay difficult, West Indies' chase kept losing steam. Dipendra Singh Airee's sharp fielding dismissed Keacy Carty, and even Holder could not provide the resistance, falling for just 5.

Hosein briefly threatened, but Karan KC struck in time to remove him. With Fabian Allen left needing 28 off the final over, Nepal held their nerve to seal a famous win.

Though Nepal was not part of the Asia Cup 2025, for them this was not just a victory but a statement, a defining moment in their cricketing journey, achieved by outplaying the mighty West Indies in every department.

Liverpool tasted defeat for the first time this season as they went down 2-1 to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The result means Palace are now the only unbeaten side in the Premier League this season.

The Eagles made a flying start, with Ismaila Sarr capitalising on a poor clearance from Ryan Gravenberch to score the opener. Liverpool were indebted to goalkeeper Alisson, who produced a string of superb saves to keep the visitors in the contest before half-time.

Though Chiesa struck late to give Arne Slot's side hope, substitute Eddie Nketiah netted a dramatic winner to seal a famous victory for Palace. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's struggles continued as they fell 3-1 to Brighton, making it back-to-back league defeats for Enzo Maresca's side. The Blues, reduced to 10 men for the second consecutive week, could not cope with Brighton's intensity. The result leaves Chelsea with just one win in their last five outings across competitions.

At Gtech Community Stadium, Manchester United's inconsistency showed once again as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Brentford. Bruno Fernandes had a penalty saved, a miss that proved costly for Ruben Amorim's men. Brentford raced into a two-goal lead after 20 minutes through Igor Thaigo's brace. Though Benjamin Sesko pulled one back, United never looked in control. Mathias Jensen's stoppage-time strike sealed the hosts' deserved win. The result leaves United winless in their last eight away league matches, slipping further into the bottom half of the table.

At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City ran out 5-1 winners against Burnley, with Erling Haaland once again stealing the show in stoppage time. City benefitted from two own goals by Maxime Esteve. Matheus Nunes scored for City at the 61st minute, but Haaland made sure his name was on the scoresheet. The Norwegian struck in the 90th minute from Jeremy Doku's cross and added another moments later after Burnley's defence faltered.

With those two late goals, Haaland's tally now stands at eight Premier League goals this season.

ANI