Dashain dakshina arrives with a phone notification
Summary
Dashain and Tihar gift-giving in Nepal is shifting from cash envelopes to digital transfers through wallets, mobile banking and QR codes. Families at home and abroad are using services such as eSewa, Khalti and bank accounts to send dakshina instantly, even as banks warn about fraud and phishing risks.
Key Points
- Nepalis are increasingly sending festival dakshina through digital wallets, mobile banking and QR codes instead of cash envelopes.
- The trend is strongest on Dashain Tika Day and among families separated by migration or work abroad, with eSewa, Khalti and bank transfers commonly used.
- Banks and fintech groups are promoting digital payments while also warning customers about OTP theft, phishing and other fraud risks during the festive season.
- Nepal Rastra Bank data show rapid growth in mobile banking, digital wallet and QR transactions, alongside rising use of digital channels for donations and relief funds.
