On Vijaya Dashami, when families gather to receive tika and jamara from their elders and celebrate together, many Nepalis have little reason to feel festive. In search of a better future, they are leaving the country even on the day of the festival. 

Some arrive at the airport with red tika on their foreheads and jamara tucked into their hair, having celebrated Dashain with their families before setting off overseas.

Despite wanting to spend the festival with their loved ones, they feel compelled to go abroad in search of jobs and better economic opportunities.

“Every parent wants a better future for their children. We have little choice but to send them abroad to give them that chance,” said a parent at Tribhuvan International Airport.