Festivals Fueling Billions in Imports, Draining National Wealth
Summary
Billions of rupees flow out of Nepal every Dashain and Tihar as households and traders import dry fruits, decorative lights, fruits, flowers, and other festival goods. The piece argues for an “organic” Laxmi Puja centered on local products to support domestic farmers, potters, and small businesses.
Key Points
- During Dashain and Tihar, Nepal spends an estimated 3 to 5 billion rupees on imported consumer and festival goods.
- Customs data cited in the article shows large imports of dry fruits, decorative lights, flowers, fruits, playing cards, and other festival items, mostly from China and India.
- The article says imported firecrackers and decorative items also contribute to accidents, pollution, and unnecessary foreign exchange drain.
- It calls for an ‘organic’ Laxmi Puja using local lamps, oil, and flowers to keep money within Nepal and support domestic producers.
