For some in Kathmandu, Dashain is just another day
Summary
For some low-income workers in Kathmandu, Dashain is just another day as they struggle to afford travel home, new clothes and basic expenses. Street vendors Lal Kumari Rokaya and Gyanu Karki say the festival brings little celebration and more worry about survival.
Key Points
- Lal Kumari Rokaya sells artificial money plants in Kathmandu but cannot afford to travel back to Jumla for Dashain.
- Rokaya and her family returned from India hoping to find work in Nepal, but they are still struggling to cover rent, food and school expenses.
- Gyanu Karki, who sells bottled water in New Road, says he feels little festive spirit and cannot afford new clothes or family celebrations.
- Both workers expect to spend Dashain in Kathmandu because they lack the money to go home.
