Kathmandu. Almost all the major markets in the Kathmandu Valley are now crowded with shoppers.

The number of people buying clothes and other necessities is increasing especially in Bhotahiti, Thamel, Asan, Indrachowk, Jamal, Bishal Bazaar, Sundhara, Khichapokhari, New Road, Bagbazaar, Dilli Bazaar, Baneshwor and Putalisadak among other places in the urban areas as Dashain festival is approaching.

Consumers speculate that the prices of clothes, especially in the market, may have increased a bit compared to the previous year due to the closure of two border points towards the neighboring country China after the Bhotekoshi floods on August 26. However, consumers have complained that the prices of daily essentials as well as food items have also increased significantly in recent times.

Shalik Chandra Sharma, a resident of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-32, complained that it has become difficult to celebrate the festival with the rise in inflation. “The price of jeera fine rice has increased by Rs 300 per sack,” he said, adding, “The price of goat meat has also increased by Rs 3 to Rs 400 per kg.” It has become difficult for low-income people to celebrate Dashain. ‘

Not only Shalikchandra, Smita Khatri of Tinkune is also thinking of changing a pair of new clothes for her family members this Dashain. However, despite the increase in the price of clothes, Janet said that she has already bought new clothes for her three children. “You have to change your clothes during Dashain,” she said, “For those with limited income, Dashain is like Dasha.” ‘

Common consumers say that the issue of celebrating Dashain is very difficult for those who have less source of income. Madhav Timalsina, president of the Consumer Rights Research Forum, said that the prices of foodstuffs, clothes and other essential items have increased significantly this Dashain. “The prices of all types of food items have increased in the market,” he said, “Now the prices of fresh vegetables, fruits and meat products have skyrocketed.” ‘

Chairman Timilsin said that the government machinery should move towards controlling the price rise by regularly monitoring the market. “It is necessary for the government to regulate the supply chain and intervene to control the price rise,” he said.

General Secretary of Nepal Himalayan Cross-Border Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ram Chandra Parajuli, said that it has been difficult to bring goods and goods due to the obstruction of the border points at Rasuwa and Tatopani which are the main lifelines to the neighbouring country China. “Trade has also been badly affected due to the blockade of the transit points with China,” he said, adding, “Goods worth around five billion rupees brought from China targeting the Dashain and other festivals have been stopped at the border points.” ‘

Similarly, Ritesh Kumar Shakya, Director General of the Department of Commerce Supplies and Consumer Protection, said that the department has been intensifying the monitoring targeting the festivals. He said, “At present, we are monitoring 25 to 50 different firms and companies daily. We are also bringing traders and businessmen charging more than the maximum retail price under the necessary legal ambit.” ‘

Director General Shakya has urged all to sell and distribute any goods and goods as per the fixed price.