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Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the Dashain festival contributes to strengthening of unity and harmony among community and families.

Giving a message of best wishes on the occasion of the Bada Dashain festival today, NC President Deuba wished peace, prosperity and happiness to all Nepalis.

He also reminded the recent disaster of floods and landslides that not only caused a huge number of fatalities but also rendered thousands of people homeless.

"We are getting united for the Dashain at this difficult moment this year. May Goddess Durga provide strength and power to all at this hour," he said.

Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic country which has foster unity in diversity.

The unity in diversity is our identity, President Deuba added.

The festival is a symbol of the victory of justice over injustice, according to him.

Speaker Devraj Ghimire has expressed belief that the Dashain festival would foster mutual cooperation, harmony and unity in society.

Giving a message of best wishes on the occasion of the Bijaya Dashami today, Speaker Ghimire wished peace, prosperity, happiness and longevity to all Nepali sisters and brothers living in the country and abroad.

"The victory of truth over untruth and of the divine force over demonic force is the supreme message of the Dashain festival," he said, reminding its cultural, religious and social values.

The faith in Goddess Durga fosters relations within family and community, Speaker Ghimire said, adding that in recent years even the people from different communities are celebrating the Dashain festival which has helped in developing it as a common festival.

"Receiving tika and blessing from the seniors, exchanging best wishes and visiting relatives are major features of this festival," Speaker Ghimire said.

He reminded the recent disaster that took a huge toll on human life and property; and urged everyone to maintain safe travels.

The Speaker also suggested frugal behaviour and healthy food habits. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has wished cooperation and harmony on the occasion of the Bijaya Dashami today.

Giving a video message on the occasion of the Bijaya Dashami 2081, PM Oli extended best wishes to all Nepalis living in the country and abroad.

He requested all Nepalis to extend assistance from their respective places to return the normalcy as it was before the disaster. "Irrespective of the places we are living now, I urge all to extend support to the government for assuaging the agony of those who underwent huge suffering in the recent disaster," PM Oli said in the message.

He reminded that the tika ceremony of the Dashain festival could not be that joyful as it used to be. "I'm not feeling joyful as the happiness of Nepali sisters and brothers was seized by the disaster occurred some days back that caused a huge loss of lives including innocent children and senior ones, injured many others and destroyed property," PM Oli added.

The PM reminded that the government was working actively for the rescue, relief distribution and rehabilitation. "The disaster massively damaged crops. The farmers will be compensated and damaged housed reconstructed and handed over soon," PM Oli said, urging the disaster survivors to be assured of assistance and others to celebrate the festival. Moreover, the PM urged the disaster survivors for patience because the government was aware of its responsibility towards them. "As I'm leading the government, I've more responsibility to pay heed to those suffering after the recent disaster.

The families of the victims would be provided assistance, reconstruction forwarded on time and transportation resumed in the wake of the festival. I call for patience at this moment." 

President Ram Chandra Paudel has extended best wishes to all Nepalis living in the country and abroad on the occasion of the Bijaya Dashami festival today.

President Paudel wished peace, prosperity and happiness to all Nepalis on this occasion- the day of the victory of truth over demonic attitude.

On the day of the Bijaya Dashami, we receive tika, jamara (holy seeding) and blessing from the respected elders.

"On the auspicious occasion of the Bijaya Dashami, 2081 today, I pray Goddess Durga for the peace, prosperity and happiness of all Nepali sisters and brothers living in the country and abroad," the Head of the State wished in the message, "May Goddess Durga bring stability, good governance and prosperity in the country."

At least 1, 300, 000 people have exited Kathmandu Valley in a week for their home districts to celebrate Dashain, the biggest festival of Nepal. According to the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE), this number includes those people who left the Valley till day.

FNNTE had estimated that around 1.8 million passengers would exit the Valley via road transport for Dashain this year.

FNNTE president Bijaya Swar said that although it was estimated that around 1.5 million to 1.8 million passengers will be leaving Kathmandu Valley for their hometowns for celebrating Dashain this year, 1.3 million, less than the estimated number, left the Valley due to the disruption of roads from flooding and landslides triggered by incessant rains on September 27 and 28.

"The roads are in poor shape and travel is difficult. Despite this situation, 1.3 million people have left the Valley for their home districts to celebrate Dashain festival," he said.

According to Kuwar, the exact figure of people leaving the Valley is awaited as people will be leaving for their homes until Friday.

Around 1, 800, 000 people had left the Kathmandu Valley for their home districts away from the Valley for the Dashain festival last year.

More than 200, 000 Nepalis who had gone to different places of India for employment have entered Nepal through the Jamunaha border crossing near Nepalgunj, to celebrate the Dashain festival.

People had started coming home using this border transit point since the start of the Dashain festival.

It has been learnt that 235, 556 Nepalis have entered Nepal from India through the Jamunaha inland border crossing in a period of 22 days from September 17 to October 8, said Police Inspector Upendra Bahadur Budhathoki, the Chief of the Area Police Office, Jamunaha.

"There is a long line of Nepalis, who had gone for work and returned from various places of India, at the border crossing in Jamunaha each day, waiting to enter Nepal on their way home for the Dashain festival. The number of those leaving Nepal for India is relatively less than that of those entering the country from India," he said. 

According to him, 165, 281 Nepalis have crossed the border via the Jamunaha border transit point in the last 22 days.

A traveler help desk has been set up at the transit point in coordination with the District Traffic Police for facilitating the India-returnees. The Nepal Police has also conducted a public awareness to prevent the India-returnees from being duped by the hoteliers, taxis and transport entrepreneurs.

Mostly people from Surkhet, Dailekh, Jajarkot, Salyan, Rukum, Rolpa, Pyuthan and other districts of west Nepal go to different places of India for work.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has described Bada Dashain as a festival that strengthens unity among communities, institutions, families and individuals.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of Bada Dashain festival, President Deuba said that the country has been affected by floods and landslides with significant loss to human lives and property, and prayed that may Durga Bhavani gives us the strength and determination to at this time of calamity.

Stating that Dashain is our religious and cultural festival, he mentioned that the festival gives an eternal message of the victory of justice over injustice and truth over falsehood.

On the auspicious occasion of Bada Dashain, the former Prime Minister has also extended his auspicious wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity and progress to all Nepali sisters and brothers on behalf of Congress and on his own.

On the occasion of the Bada Dashain festival, fulpati is being brought into homes today, following a cherished tradition observed throughout the country.

Fulpati, a medley of auspicious flowers, leaves, and fruits from various plants, is ritually anointed at the Dashain Ghar on the seventh day of the Bada Dashain festival. It is brought to Kathmandu in accordance with Vedic rites to be consecrated at the Hanumandhoka Durbar.

At Hanumandhoka Durbar, a procession that includes the Gurujyuko platoon, the Nepal Army, the Nepal Police, high-ranking officials of the Armed Police Force Nepal, civil service, the Asha Gurja team, band music, panchebaja, adorned kalsyoulis, and a cultural pageantry departs from Jamal with the fulpati.

The Nepal Calendar Determination Committee affirms that fulpati's entry into homes does not require an auspicious hour. However, it holds special significance for the Dashain festival, which officially commences with Ghatasthapana.

Furthermore, a palanquin containing fulpati is sent from Dashainghar in Gorkha Durbar to be transported all the way to Hanumandhoka Durbar in Kathmandu. This tradition adheres to time-honored Vedic rites and dates back to the era when Prithvi Narayan Shah, the then King of Gorkha, initiated his rule from Hanumandhoka Durbar in Kathmandu. Since then, an annual tradition has been established where a palanquin bearing fulpati is dispatched from Gorkha Dashainghar on the seventh day of the Bada Dashain festival, Nepal's grandest festival.

The assistants of the Gorkha Durbar carry fulpati up to a place known as Fulpati Chautara at Satipipal, from where it is subsequently transported to Kathmandu.

Starting today, all government as well as private offices close down, encouraging people to return to their respective ancestral homes and seek blessings from Durga Bhawani and their elders.

Around 100, 000 people are daily leaving Kathmandu Valley for their home districts to celebrate Dashain festival, the biggest festival of the Nepalis.

Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Office, Rabin Karki, said that the number of vehicles and passengers exiting from the four major transit points of the Valley has surged. 

DSP Karki said that around 100, 000 passengers have been exiting from the Valley daily since the last three days. "The number of people exiting the Valley on Monday and today has increased as compared to their numbers on Sunday and Tuesday," he said.

According to him, 30, 000 people are entering the federal capital daily. Karki said that unlike during last year's Dashain, passengers need not wait for hours to cross the transit points this Dashain despite the dense traffic at the Buspark, Kalanki, Balkhu, Koteshwar and Sitapaila.

Passengers are traveling to their respective destinations outside the Valley via Araniko highway, Tribhuvan highway, Prithvi highway, and the Dakshinkali-Hetauda and the Kanti highways at present.

As Dashain approaches, Nepal is filled with the aromas of spices, roasted meats, and the warmth of family gatherings. For me, memories of childhood in Kathmandu come flooding back—flying kites on rooftops, the colorful creations dancing in the sky, and the sound of laughter all around. Kite-flying was more than a game. It was a way to bond with family and friends, celebrating freedom and joy.

During breaks from kite battles, we’d enjoy simple, yet unforgettable snacks made by our mothers. The cool, crisp weather of the season added to the perfect festive atmosphere. Now, as a chef, these memories inspire me to craft a Dashain feast that embodies togetherness, tradition, and flavor, especially for meat lovers in the family.

A feast rooted in tradition

Dashain is known for its hearty meat dishes, symbolizing abundance and unity. Growing up, goat pakku (slow-cooked meat), mutton curry, and sukuti (dried meat) were festival staples. This year, I aim to celebrate those traditional flavors while introducing a few new dishes from different Nepali communities. My goal is to bring fresh ideas to the table, allowing everyone to experience something new while staying rooted in tradition.

Dashain is not just about food. It’s about creating memories and bonding over shared meals. By showcasing dishes from various communities, we can celebrate our rich Nepali culinary heritage while bringing different traditions together.

Rayo ko saag with goat fat: A Dharane delight

One dish I’m excited to serve this year is ‘rayo ko saag’ (mustard greens) cooked with fatty goat meat. Popular in eastern Nepal, especially in Dharan, this dish combines tender, fatty goat meat with slightly bitter mustard greens. The goat fat adds a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality, creating a comforting dish perfect for Dashain. It’s simple yet deeply satisfying.

Tite wachipa: A bold Kirat dish

For those eager to try something new, I recommend ‘tite wachipa’, a traditional dish from the Kirat community. Made with chicken and a bitter herb, wachipa offers a unique blend of bitterness and spice. It’s not commonly found on Dashain tables, but it’s perfect for pre-festival meals. The bitter herb is said to cleanse the palate, making wachipa an intriguing addition to a meat-heavy feast.

Pakku and taas: A tasty duo

Goat pakku is a classic Dashain dish, but why not mix things up with taas from Chitwan? Taas is stir-fried mutton, marinated and cooked until crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. Served with bhuja  (puffed rice), it’s a delicious alternative to traditional pakku. By rotating between pakku and taas, you can keep things fresh while offering familiar flavors.

Goat katia: A Mithila specialty

Another dish I’d love to introduce is goat katia, a spicy stew from the Mithila community. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is packed with layers of flavor as the spices infuse the meat. Paired with fresh roti or rice, goat katia is perfect for a festive gathering. It’s simple yet sophisticated, leaving your family talking about it long after the meal is over.

Sekuwa: A grilled favorite

No Dashain feast is complete without sekuwa, Nepal’s famous grilled meat. Whether made from goat, chicken, or buffalo, sekuwa’s smoky, spiced flavor is synonymous with celebration. This year, I plan to dedicate one day just for sekuwa, marinated in Nepali spices, grilled to perfection, and served with achar and salad. Its simplicity allows the meat’s flavor to shine, making it a must-have for any festive meal.

Haku choila: A Newari classic

Another dish perfect for Dashain is haku choila, a Newari-style grilled buffalo meat. Seasoned with mustard oil, garlic, and chili, this smoky, bold-flavored dish is a favorite for meat lovers. Paired with traditional ayla (Newari rice wine), haku choila adds an exciting element to the pre-festival celebrations.

Chicken roast: A dashain tradition

No Dashain feels complete without a festive chicken roast. This dish, reminiscent of grand family gatherings, features chicken marinated in spices and slow-roasted until crispy and tender. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the table. A well-cooked chicken roast adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any Dashain meal.

Pulau with roast lamb or chicken

This year, I’m introducing a new twist on tradition by serving pulau, a spiced rice dish, topped with either roast lamb or chicken. Pulau brings a sense of occasion to the table, reminding me of grand wedding feasts. Paired with khutti (bone broth) and timmur and tomato achar, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish that brings a festive spirit to Dashain.

As we prepare for Dashain 2024, let’s make it a celebration to remember with a feast of mouth-watering, spicy, tangy dishes that will leave a lasting impression. Let’s celebrate not just with food but with memories that warm the heart and soul, bringing family and friends closer together during this special time.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

Dear readers,

I usually publish my newsletter every Friday. However, with the Dashain break approaching, I’m sharing this update midweek. While Dashain is here, many of us are not in a festive mood. The recent floods and landslides, which tragically claimed 246 lives and left others missing, have cast a shadow over the celebrations. In some areas, victims are still struggling to access basic daily essentials. Although people have started leaving Kathmandu to celebrate Dashain, many highways and roads remain in poor condition, contributing to accidents.

Reports indicate that the monsoon, which brings 80 percent of the country’s annual rainfall, is withdrawing. While heavy rains are unlikely, moderate to light rainfall may continue. These disasters have forced policymakers to reconsider the current development model.

On the political front, there have been no major developments. Former King Gyanendra Shah recently made an unofficial visit to Bhutan, receiving royal treatment, sparking speculation about its potential political impact. Royalist factions are celebrating, suggesting this could help build support for the monarchy’s return. However, major political leaders have yet to comment.

The implementation of recommendations from parliamentary probes into cooperatives has been slow, possibly due to the aftermath of the floods or a lack of political will. Rabi Lamichhane, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, is facing protests from cooperative victims in his home district, Chitwan. Earlier concerns about his arrest have eased.

Meanwhile, Prakash Man Singh Raut has assumed office as the 32nd Chief Justice of Nepal. He faces the daunting task of restoring public trust in the judiciary, which has suffered in recent years. With a reputation for fairness and impartiality, legal experts believe his 18-month term could bring judicial independence. Born in Udayapur in 1961, Raut’s career includes being a Supreme Court Justice since 2016, a former advocate, and president of the Supreme Court Bar Association in 2006.

In environmental news, Nepal is set to receive payments for reducing carbon dioxide emissions through its forests in 13 Tarai districts. Between 2018 and 2024, the country is expected to receive $5 for every ton of carbon sequestered, totaling 2.4m tons under the Tarai Arc Landscape Program. This payment is due by October.

In international news, Israel recently held memorials marking one year since a Hamas-led raid, the deadliest attack in its history. The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, raising concerns for the safety of Nepali workers in Lebanon and Israel. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has urged Nepal’s ambassadors to prepare for potential emergencies.

During the Dashain holiday, the print edition of The Annapurna Express will take a break, but we will continue to provide breaking news, analysis and updates on our online platform at theannapurnaexpress.com. Please visit our website for the latest updates.

The number of people leaving Kathmandu for their hometown to celebrate Dashain is increasing day by day.

Nowadays, New Bus Park, Gongabu, is getting crowded due to the sheer number of people going home for Dashain and buying bus tickets in advance.

With the start of the biggest festival of Nepalis, people, who are living in Kathmandu Valley due to various purposes, have started returning home to celebrate Dashain with family members and relatives.

Chief of Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, Deputy Inspector General of Police Bharat Bahadur Bohara said a total 126,435 people left Kathmandu Valley from September 30 to October 3 morning in vehicles—buses, trucks, and motorcycles.

Similarly, Spokesperson of District Police Range, Kathmandu, Nabaraj Adhikari told RSS that the crowd of people returning home has increased at New Bus Park after schools have started closing for the holidays with the beginning of Dashain festival.

He further said they have increased the number of security personnel at New Bus Park keeping the growing crowd of people there in mind, stating that a help desk has been established in order to make passengers travel more smoothly.

Likewise, crowds of people returning home and pressure of vehicles has increased at New Bus Park, Kalanki and Koteshwor areas, shared Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office.

Kathmandu is experiencing significant traffic congestion at its entry and exit points due to an influx of passengers and vehicles during the Dashain festival. Driver Ramit Oli, who operates on the Kathmandu-Dhangadhi route for Sudurpaschim Travel, said there is a significant rise in the number of people leaving the city for their hometowns as the festival began.

Road conditions have deteriorated due to rain-related disasters, yet vehicles remain packed as demand rises. By Thursday afternoon, a total of 820 motor vehicles, including buses, microbuses, trucks, private cars, and motorcycles, had departed from Kathmandu. According to Superintendent of Police Nawaraj Adhikari from the District Police Range Kathmandu, 13,503 passengers left the city with those vehicles.

As of noon today, 544 vehicles entered Kathmandu, carrying 6,554 passengers. The number of people traveling in reserved and private vehicles, which are not accounted for in police records, is also said to be increasingly high.

Bus counters have already accepted advance ticket bookings until October 9, making it extremely challenging for travelers to secure a ticket. Lalit Magar from Rolpa said he arrived at the New Buspark in Gongabu in the early morning but was struggling to find a bus ticket to go home.

Hearing on writ petition of habeas corpus would be conducted for four hours from 11 am during Dashain festival holidays as well.

The Supreme Court would remain open for hearing on the writ petitions on Dashain holidays except the day of Ghatasthapana (October 3), Saturday and the day of Vijaya Dashami. 

Though the Supreme Court remains closed from Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnima on the occasion of Dashain festival, only hearing on habeas corpus cases would be conducted. 

The "Navaratri", a nine-night festival known as Bada Dashain and a significant celebration for Hindus in Nepal, commenced today.

Ghatasthapana falls on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright half of the lunar calendar month Asoj or Kartik.

According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, the auspicious time for observing Ghatasthapana this year is at 9.16 am today.

Deity Shailaputri is worshiped for observing Ghatastapana on the auspicious hour.

The festival entails reverence for deities such as Brhamacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalarati, Mahagauri, and Siddhirati.

The first day is being marked by worshiping the deity Shailaputri in accordance with Vedic rituals and preparing for Jamara (barley shoots) by sowing maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination.

Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power today. Germination of the auspicious "Jamara" is also initiated at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar in accordance with Vedic rituals.

On the 7th day of the festival, Dashain Phulpati are brought to home on October 9.

The committee has set 11:36 am as the most auspicious time for Dashain tika on October 12 (Asoj 26).

Dashain is the most significant festival in Nepal, celebrated with family gatherings, laughter, and of course, food. The dining table becomes the heart of the celebration, bringing everyone together to share, laugh, and enjoy meals that reflect love and unity. While meat dishes like goat curry and sukuti are often seen as staples during Dashain, I believe this festival should be just as delightful for vegetarians. After all, food is about inclusion, and when we cook for loved ones, we should ensure everyone feels welcome at the table.

I believe it’s important to reimagine the Dashain menu to cater to those who prefer plant-based meals. Why not celebrate the spirit of togetherness with a vegetarian feast that’s just as flavorful, joyful, and satisfying as any meat-based spread?

Reimagining vegetarian samay baji

If you were to be my guest this Dashain, I would serve you a vegetarian version of ‘samay baji’, a Newari platter traditionally filled with meat but now designed to cater to vegetarian tastes. Each element of this dish would represent the diversity and richness of Nepal’s culinary heritage, made with local, seasonal ingredients. Every bite would reflect the colors and flavors of Dashain, honoring both tradition and innovation.

Chiura (Beaten rice): Light and crispy, this staple pairs perfectly with every other dish, providing a crunchy base for the flavorful elements on the plate.

Bhatmas (fried black soybeans): Crispy and nutty, these black soybeans add texture and balance, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Wa/Bara (lentil pancakes): Rich in protein, these soft lentil pancakes nod to tradition while ensuring the dish remains hearty and fulfilling.

Soybean or mushroom choyela: Typically, a meat-based dish, choyela in this vegetarian version uses smoky grilled soybeans or mushrooms, seasoned with Nepali spices.

Palu (finely cut ginger): This burst of freshness ties the whole plate together, balancing the richness of the other dishes.

Tofu chili: In place of the traditional boiled egg, this spicy stir-fried tofu brings a bold flavor to the plate, adding a dash of heat that’s perfect for the festive meal.

Vegetable pakora: Crispy on the outside, tender inside, these vegetable fritters are a nostalgic touch, reminiscent of fried fish from Malekhu but in a vegetarian form.

Aalu sadeko (spicy potato salad): This tangy, spicy potato salad is full of the addictive, fiery flavors that Dashain meals are known for.

Greens (saag): Whether sautéed spinach or mustard greens, no Nepali meal is complete without greens. They add a colorful, healthy touch to the feast.

Achar (pickles): No Dashain platter is complete without pickles. My version would feature radish, carrot, and lapsi berry, creating a tangy, spicy accompaniment. I’d also include chukauni, a creamy yogurt-based potato pickle from western Nepal, adding a regional twist.

Aila (Newari wine): A small shot of aila would complete the experience, pairing beautifully with the earthy flavors of the vegetarian samay baji.

This vegetarian samay baji is a celebration on a plate, where each element is thoughtfully crafted to honor tradition while offering something new and exciting.

Vegetarian options

Dashain is a festival of abundance, and for me, the essence of this celebration lies in the togetherness it brings—not in the sacrifice of animals. Nepal has a long history of vegetarian cuisine, and this Dashain, I want to showcase how these dishes can stand proudly alongside traditional meat offerings. Here are some of my favorite vegetarian delicacies that are perfect for the festival.

Soybean chili: A spicy, tangy dish where soybeans are the star, offering a bold depth of flavor that’s both exciting and familiar.

Paneer masala: Paneer cooked in a rich, spiced tomato sauce brings a sense of indulgence and comfort to the table.

Aalu cauli (potato and cauliflower curry): This hearty, flavorful dish is packed with Nepali spices, making it the perfect accompaniment to the festive spread.

Mushroom choyela: A vegetarian twist on the traditional grilled meat dish, this version uses marinated mushrooms, offering the smoky flavor that Dashain feasts are known for.

Soy keema kerau masala: My signature dish for Dashain 2024, this soy mince cooked with peas in a spicy gravy provides the perfect vegetarian alternative to keema, giving that famous ‘piro’ (spicy) kick.

Each of these dishes tells a story of family, culture, and love—the essence of what Dashain is all about. Cooking for the people you care about is an act of love, and the joy that comes from creating these meals is shared by all who gather around the table. The heart and soul you put into the kitchen translate into the joy felt at the dining table, making each meal unforgettable.

Celebrating with vibrant vegetarian dishes

This Dashain, I invite you to celebrate with dishes that are as colorful and festive as the kites we once flew on our childhood rooftops. Plates filled with spicy, tangy, and flavorful vegetarian dishes can ensure that this festival will be one to remember. A feast that brings people together, full of flavors that will have your family talking for the rest of the year—a true celebration of tradition, love, and unity.

With this approach, Dashain becomes a time to honor the rich variety of Nepali cuisine, ensuring that everyone at the table, vegetarian or not, feels included and celebrated.

The author is UK-based R&D chef

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has launched the service for exchanging clean notes for the public today, targeting the Dashain festival.

According to NRB assistant spokesperson Dr Dilliram Pokhrel, the service shall be available until October 8 at the central bank's central and provincial offices and at the branches of all banks and financial institutions.

Pokhrel said individuals are allowed to exchange up to Rs 18,500 of denominations of five, 10, 20, 50, and 100 per head from any bank or financial institution accessible to them. 

Until last year, the Bank would circulate completely fresh notes for the Dashain purpose, but the provision has been changed this time. This time, used but clean or unstained notes are to be provided.