Dashain rush increases cross-border movement at Gaddachauki checkpoint

KANCHANPUR: The Gaddachauki border crossing in Kanchanpur has become increasingly busy as Nepalis working in various parts of India return home to celebrate Dashain with their families.

Many migrant workers employed in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and other Indian regions have begun travelling home for the festive season.

Khagendra Budha of Dhakari, Achham, who works in Dehradun, was among those returning through the Gaddachauki checkpoint with five friends.

“We work in road construction in Dehradun and have returned home to celebrate Dashain,” he said. “We will celebrate the festival with our families before returning to India for work.”

Budha said many people from his region travelled to Indian cities for employment because of limited job opportunities at home.

Similarly, Nigendra Shahi of Kalikot returned from Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Dashain. He said he worked in agriculture there and used his earnings to support his family’s living expenses.