Tihar Festival Faces Uncertainty as Traders Express Concerns
As the festival of flowers and lights, Tihar, approaches, traders in Kathmandu are expressing concerns over the potential for a decline in sales. This follows the Generation Z protests in early September, which created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among the local population.
The impact of these protests has been felt particularly by flower and festive light traders. The corporate houses in the Kathmandu Valley, which were severely damaged during the protests last month, are expected to have a reduced demand for flowers and lights during Tihar. Traditionally, these spaces have been adorned with vibrant floral arrangements and decorative lights, but this year’s scenario looks different.
Flowers play a significant role in the Tihar celebrations. People decorate their homes with strings of colorful blossoms, and there is a ritual where sisters place garlands around the necks of their brothers. Despite the importance of these decorations, the flower producers have noted that prices have remained stable compared to last year due to low demand. A meter of marigold garland costs around Rs100, similar to the previous year. A single garland typically contains about 40 flowers.
Makhamali (globe amaranth) is another popular choice, with prices ranging from Rs60 to Rs65 per garland. According to Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha, president of the Floriculture Association Nepal, the recent rainfall has not affected production, allowing domestic supply to meet 90% of the demand. However, due to the decline in sales, expectations for flower transactions have also dropped. Last year, flower producers made transactions worth Rs350 million, and this year, they expect a similar figure.
Festive light traders are also not optimistic about the upcoming Tihar. People traditionally decorate their homes with lights, believing that the goddess of prosperity, Laxmi, visits during the new moon night. While oil lamps and candles were once common, the reduction in loadshedding has led to an increase in the use of Chinese-made lights, which are more attractive and safer than traditional options.
Resham Prasad Devkota, president of the Federation of Electrical Entrepreneurs Nepal, highlighted that the uncertainty and fear in the absence of law and order have affected the confidence of traders. He mentioned that customers are not celebrating openly due to increasing criminal activities. Additionally, the reduced number of new home constructions has contributed to a decline in demand for festive lights. Many people who have already purchased LED lights do not need to buy them frequently, as they last for 3-4 years.
The federation estimated festive light sales worth around Rs250 million in the last fiscal year and expects a similar figure this year. Most of the festive lights ordered from China have arrived and are being distributed to wholesalers. However, trade routes with China have faced disruptions due to landslides and floods, causing delays in shipments. Nearly two months ago, hundreds of containers loaded with festival goods were stuck in Tibet, affecting the availability of products.
China has become a critical supplier for Nepal’s festivals, especially for garments and decorative items. Despite the challenges, festive light traders reported that prices have not increased this year. LED lights with varying lengths and light effects, crystal lights, and rope lights are the most popular items for Tihar.
Meanwhile, the price of dried fruits, an essential item for Tihar, has seen an increase. Women give their brothers packets of nutritious nuts, seeds, and other items as gifts during the ceremonies, leading to a surge in sales during this time. Different traders mentioned that the price of dried fruits has increased this year due to the strong US dollar and market opportunists taking advantage of peak demand.
Basanta Shrestha, treasurer of the Nepal Retailers Association, noted that the price of some dry fruits has increased by Rs20 to Rs150 per kg, while others have remained stable. Dried coconut prices have risen by Rs150 to Rs800 per kg in retail, while cashew nuts remain unchanged at Rs1,780 per kg. Dates are priced at Rs550, raisins at Rs600 per kg, and walnuts at Rs525 per kg.