21 Sep 2017 | 09:41 PM UTC
Nepal: Hindu festival Dashain celebrations Sep. 21-Oct. 5
Nationwide transport disruptions likely during Hindu religious festival of Dashain from September 21 to October 5
Event
Nepal will celebrate the Hindu festival of Dashain from Thursday, September 21, until Thursday, October 5. Up to 6000 public vehicles will transport people out of Kathmandu daily as they return to their family villages. In total, approximately 2.1 million people will leave the city during the festival. In a bid to decrease pressure on road transport, domestic airlines have increased the number of flights to smaller cities nationwide.
Authorities will also deploy over 5000 extra security personnel in the Kathmandu area to ensure the safe transport of people and goods as well as to protect various festivals.
Transportation disruptions and increased security presence should be anticipated nationwide for the duration of the festival. Furthermore, government offices, embassies, banks, as well as many businesses will be closed during the celebrations.
Context
Dashain is the longest and most widely celebrated festival in the Nepal, and is also celebrated in the Indian states of Sikkim, Assam, and the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
Advice
Individuals should anticipate transportation delays throughout Nepal, as well as limited availability on domestic airlines due to high demand.
