Dadeldhura, Oct. 22 -- Dashain and Tihar once brought Kafali village to life. Relatives returned from afar, children and young people gathered, and paths between homes filled with people catching up. With most families still living in the village, the festive season had a vibrancy of its own.

That bustle has all but disappeared. As families move away, homes stand empty and the old festive spirit is fading.

Until five years ago, reaching Kafali from Dadeldhura district headquarters meant walking for about eight hours. A dirt road has since reached close to the village, making travel easier, while electricity has brought changes to daily life. Yet despite these improvements, the number of people living here continues to shrink.

The villa...