Deserted Kathmandu (With Photos)
During Nepal’s biggest festival, Dashain, the streets of Kathmandu Valley have become unusually quiet. With people traveling to their villages to celebrate Dashain and Tihar, and many locals staying indoors, the capital looks deserted.
Normally congested with heavy traffic, the roads of Kathmandu Valley are now empty. From Ghatasthapana to today, around 600,000 people left the Valley through various exit points.
Devotees flock to Gorkha Kalika Temple on Maha Ashtami (With Photos)
On the eighth day of Dashain, Maha Ashtami, a large number of devotees thronged the historic Gorkha Kalika Temple from early morning for worship and animal sacrifices.
As per tradition, government-sanctioned sacrifices will begin after 2 pm, following which the temple will be open for the public to offer sacrifices of goats, buffaloes, and sheep.
The Gorkha Kalika Temple is regarded as one of the most significant Shakti Peeths (power shrines) in the district. Devotees from Gorkha, as well as neighboring districts including Kathmandu, Tanahun, Chitwan, and Lamjung, visit the temple during this time.
It is widely believed that offering worship and sacrifices at the temple during Dashain fulfills devotees’ wishes and brings blessings.
Heavy outflow from Kathmandu
At present, the main entry and exit points of Kathmandu are crowded with people leaving the valley. Large gatherings of passengers can be seen at Gongabu Bus Park, Kalanki, Koteshwor, and Jadibuti as they wait for buses.
Since early morning, the pressure of vehicles heading out of Kathmandu toward different destinations has made various checkpoints around the city chaotic.
Kites fill the sky (With Photos)
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
