Nepali youths resume journey to India for work after major festivals

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Dec. 15: With the conclusion of major festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath, Nepali youths from the hilly districts of western Nepal have resumed their journey to India in search of employment.

According to Jamunaha Police at the Nepal-India border, young men from the Karnali and Lumbini provinces are crossing the border daily due to the lack of job opportunities in their homeland. Inspector Upendra Budhathoki of the Area Police Office, Jamunaha, reported that between 300 to 500 Nepalis now head to India for work every day.

The primary destinations of these migrant workers include Indian states such as Punjab, Shimla, Ahmedabad, Haryana, and Gujarat. Most of those making the journey are aged between 20 and 35, seeking to support their families and themselves.

"For people like us, there’s no choice but to leave," said Santa Bahadur Singh of Panchkatia, Jajarkot. He shared that without the festivals, he wouldn’t have been able to visit his home or meet his relatives. 

Similarly, Naresh Thapa from Naumule, Dailekh, said he is heading to Mughal to earn a living now that the festivals are over.

The Jamunaha Police Office anticipates that the number of Nepali youths traveling to India for work will continue to rise in the coming months as economic conditions in their home districts remain dire.