DHARAN: As the Tihar festival begins, the streets of Dharan have come alive — not just with lights and decorations, but with the energy and effort of hundreds of small traders fueling the city’s festive economy.
From the break of dawn until late evening, markets like Bhanuchowk, Ghantaghar, vegetable market, and other areas are bustling with people shopping for sweets, raisins, coconuts, clay lamps, twinkling lights, red vermilion powder, and other essential items for the festival. Local vendors say business is booming.
Bikki Das, a street vendor in Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-2, has been selling festive items from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. “More customers come early in the morning and after sunset,” he said. “Because of the heat, afternoons are quieter. Right now, my daily turnover is between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000.”
Tihar — Nepal’s second-largest festival after Dashain — is known as a celebration of flowers, colors, music, and lights. The demand for festival supplies reflects that spirit. The streets are glowing with decorative lights, and the air is filled with the aroma of sweets and incense.
Niraj Koirala, a lamp trader, noted a shift in consumer preference. “Traditional oil lamps are declining in popularity. These days, people prefer modern twinkling lights, and the demand is high,” he said. “During Tihar, even electrical shops see a surge in customers, something we don’t experience during other festivals or wedding seasons.”
Gopal Shrestha, President of the Sunsari Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized how Tihar provides an important income opportunity for small traders. “This festival activates the local market. From morning to night, traders are working hard to make the most of this season,” he said.
However, the increasing crowd brings its own challenges. “Street vendors face difficulty managing space and dealing with heavy foot traffic,” Shrestha said. “To address this, we’re working with local authorities on crowd control, market organization, and safety.”
The Chamber is also promoting long-term support for local businesses through training programs, market promotion, and concessional support schemes. “Our goal is to ensure both customer safety and business growth,” Shrestha added.
For many of Dharan’s traders, Tihar is more than just a festival — it’s a vital opportunity to strengthen their livelihoods. As crowds fill the markets and the lights of Tihar shine across the city, the spirit of enterprise is just as bright.
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