As Dashain draws to a close, Kathmandu’s roads are getting busier, with public transport and pedestrian traffic picking up since Friday as people begin returning to the Valley.

Streets that were largely deserted during the festival are gradually filling up as people return to their jobs and businesses.

More than 576,000 people left Kathmandu Valley to celebrate Dashain this year. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, 576,578 people left between Ghatasthapana, the start of the festival, and Maha Navami, the ninth day of Dashain. They travelled in 79,676 vehicles, traffic police data show.

The large exodus had eased traffic during the festival. The return of residents is now bringing more vehicles and pedestrians onto the roads, while public transport is seeing a rise in passenger numbers.