The glitter of imported items overshadows local festivities

Kathmandu, October 28 — When the festival of Tihar approaches, people commonly think of Bhai Tika, Lakshmi Puja, and other related celebrations. This is why Tihar is recognized as the festival of Goddess Lakshmi, light, and flowers. During Tihar, homes and offices are illuminated with lights and adorned with flowers, leading to a significant increase in the trade of worship items, decorative lights, and flowers. As the worship of Goddess Lakshmi is a central aspect of Tihar, the custom of purchasing gold and silver, particularly on the day of Dhanteras, is also prevalent.

Flowers play a vital role in the rituals of Tihar, resulting in high demand for marigolds and other floral garlands during this period. Each day of Tihar requires various materials such as flower garlands, sweets, bread, decorative lights, and items for Bhai Tika. Additionally, the clothing trade also sees a surge during Tihar.

Most of the materials used during Tihar are imported from the global market. While flowers are abundantly produced in Nepal, some percentage is still imported from the Indian market due to the high demand during the festival. This year, the domestic flower supply has been affected by damage caused by floods and landslides around the time of Dashain, resulting in insufficient local flower production for Tihar.

During Tihar, there is also a notable increase in the consumption of items such as cashews, raisins, sugar, coconuts, almonds, betel nuts, walnuts, pistachios, cloves, and dried fruits. All these items used in Bhai Tika rituals are imported, coming from countries like India, China, the United States, and Tanzania, according to the Customs Department.

According to Mukti Prasad Shrestha, director of the Customs Department, all materials used in Bhai Tika rituals are imported. He notes, “The demand is lower at other times, and the significant use during Tihar might discourage local industries from producing these items.”

The use of decorative lights also surges during Tihar. While homes are illuminated on Lakshmi Puja day, the tradition of using lights begins days in advance. Nowadays, the use of electric lights that resemble traditional earthen lamps has increased. This has led to local production of lamps and candles being overtaken by imported decorative lights. According to Customs Department data, around NPR 4 billion worth of electric decorative lights, candles, and fireworks were imported last year. In just three months of the current fiscal year, approximately NPR 250 million worth of such items have been imported.

Of the total electric items entering Nepal, 90% are imported from China and 10% from India. Previously, most imports came from India, but traders note that the attractive pricing of Chinese products has displaced Indian goods. The Federation of Electrical Entrepreneurs of Nepal estimates that around NPR 1.5 billion worth of electric items are traded during Tihar.

During Tihar, there is also a tradition of painting homes, purchasing new clothes, and exchanging gifts among siblings. Almost all of these materials are imported from foreign markets.

Additionally, the demand for fruits rises during Tihar. While Nepal produces significant amounts of citrus fruits, walnuts, sweet potatoes, apples, and pomegranates, some are still imported from foreign markets. According to the Customs Department, around NPR 2.08 billion worth of apples and NPR 6.3 million worth of sweet potatoes have been imported in the last three months of the current fiscal year. The reliance on imported materials for Tihar results in substantial capital flowing out of the country.

Experts perceive this trend as a sign of foreign influence on traditional festivals. Dr. Bhim Sigdel, an associate professor at Tribhuvan University, emphasizes that traditional festivals should utilize indigenous and locally produced materials. “Our festivals have their unique flavors and customs, but we have become so dependent on foreign materials that we can hardly celebrate without them,” he states. “While it cannot be reduced all at once, if all parties collaborate, we might gradually celebrate our festivals with our own traditional products.”