Poverty Forces Many Nepalis to Seek Jobs in India on the Eve of Dashain

Bada Dashain, the greatest festival of the Hindus in Nepal is less than a week away. As a result, many are returning home from abroad to be with their loved ones during this occasion of grand celebration.     However, things are different for many in the far west, where there is a rush among people going to neighbouring India in search of work on the eve of Dashain.    

Thousands of Nepalis are traditionally expected to return home to celebrate with their families during Dashain. But this year, the far west is witnessing a different trend: more people are leaving for India in search of work than are coming back to observe the festival.

Karan Thapa of Jorayal Rural Municipality-2, Doti, was seen at the Gaddachowki checkpoint on Tuesday heading to Himachal Pradesh with his family.

“It is hard for us to make ends meet, so how can we celebrate Dashain without money?” he said. “If I can earn something, I’ll return for Tihar.” Thapa added that with schools closed for the holidays, his entire family is joining him in the search for work.

A group of 25 from Bajilek, Doti, was also on its way to India for seasonal employment. Minadevi Thapa said she and her husband were heading to Shimla to work in apple orchards after failing to find jobs at home. Bal Bahadur Thapa, traveling with his children, described their journey as one of necessity, noting that they too plan to return in time for Tihar after a month’s work.

Hundreds of people from Sudurpaschim continue to cross into India daily as the festive season begins, citing poverty and the inability to support their families. School student Krishna Serla from Baunia, Kailali, said he is joining his parents in India during his school break.

India remains a major employment destination for people from Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces, where limited job opportunities push many to seek seasonal or long-term work across the border, even during Nepal’s most important festival. -- RSS