KATHMANDU, OCT 12: An estimated 900,000 people have left the Kathmandu Valley in the past three weeks to celebrate Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festival with their family members. 

According to the Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE), the number of people leaving the valley was recorded from mid-September through Monday. 

General Secretary of the FNNTE Saroj Sitaula said the number is in increasing trend as Vijaya Dashami-- the most important day of Dashain festival-- is just two days away. “As compared to the number of those leaving Kathmandu Valley during the festive season last year, the number has doubled this year,” he said.

Sitaula said they estimate around 1.2 million people to leave the valley for Dashain celebration this year. “In the next two days before Vijaya Dashami, the rate is sure to increase,” he added.

According to the transporters, around 2.5 million people used to leave for their home during Dashain until two years ago. Last year, the number dropped heavily due to the risk of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Citing the festival, the government since last week has been permitting the public transports to ply on any routes to ensure easy access for the travelers. Similarly, the transport companies also opened the advance booking and online booking for the ticket of their transport services. 

 
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