Kathmandu:The number of people leaving the Kathmandu Valley to return to their hometowns for the Bada Dashain festival has nearly reached 500,000.
According to National News Agency Nepal, 496,323 passengers have exited the Kathmandu Valley from October 11, the day of Ghatasthapana, through October 17. This movement marks a significant trend of residents traveling back to various districts to celebrate the festival.
Naresh Raj Subedi, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, noted that the exodus has been ongoing since October 11. Despite fewer travelers today compared to previous days, there is still a notable crowd at key transit hubs such as New Bus Park in Gongabu, Machhapokhari, Kalanki, Balkhu, Koteshwor, and Gaushala.
Many passengers have been using transit points including Pharping, Nagdhunga, Thankot, Bhimdhunga, Tinpiple, Sankhu, Bhaktapur Jagati, and Lalitpur Bhattedanda to leave the Valley.