As Tihar, the five-day festival of lights, began on Saturday, traders said that the prices of most dry fruits have remained stable this year, with a few exceptions driven by the appreciation of the US dollar against the Nepali rupee.

The Nepali currency depreciated by 2.7 percent against the US dollar in mid-September 2025 compared to mid-July. The buying exchange rate per US dollar stood at Rs140.84 in mid-September, up from Rs137 in mid-July.

During Bhaitika, the fifth and final day of Tihar, sisters traditionally gift their brothers packets of dry fruits, seeds, and other nutritious items, pushing up sales of these festive essentials.

Devendra Bhakta Shrestha, president of the Nepal Retailers Association, said that the prices of most dry fruits have remained unchanged compared to last year’s Tihar. “The prices of major dry fruits such as dried coconut, cashew, raisin, and almond are stable, while pistachios have become slightly more expensive,” he said.

According to the Department of Customs, Nepal imported 20,940 tonnes of dry fruits worth Rs2.19 billion in the first two months of the current fiscal year.

Dried coconut is currently priced between Rs600 and Rs650 per kg, depending on quality. Nepal imported 190 tonnes of dried coconut worth Rs55.8 million during the review period, mainly from India and Vietnam.

Cashew nuts are priced between Rs1,400 and Rs1,600 per kg. Nepal imported 211 tonnes of cashew worth Rs178.03 million during the same period, primarily from India, with smaller quantities from Vietnam and Venezuela.

Pistachio prices have increased by Rs200–300 per kg to Rs1,950 per kg this Tihar compared to last year. The country imported 33 tonnes of pistachios worth Rs40 million during the review period, mostly from China. Shrestha said the price rise was driven by higher international market rates.

Raisins are selling for Rs400–600 per kg. Nepal imported 1,045 tonnes of dried grapes worth Rs376.65 million, mainly from China and India.

Almonds are priced between Rs1,450 and Rs1,650 per kg, depending on quality. The country imported 295 tonnes of almonds worth Rs237.97 million during the review period, mainly from the United States.

Similarly, Nepal imported 669 tonnes of walnuts worth Rs246.40 million, primarily from China and Chile.

Flower traders said that the price of marigolds has also remained stable this festive season. Garlands—made mainly from makhamali (globe amaranth) or marigold flowers—hold deep cultural significance during Tihar, as sisters place them around their brothers’ necks to celebrate their sacred bond.

A one-metre marigold garland containing around 40 flowers is being sold for Rs100 to Rs140, nearly the same as last year, according to the Floriculture Association Nepal. Makhamali garlands are being sold for Rs60–65 each.

Colourful blossoms are an essential part of Tihar celebrations, as people decorate their homes, doors, and windows with flower garlands and sisters adorn their brothers with them during rituals.