Dhankuta, Oct. 9 -- Weekly markets across Dhankuta are growing busier as Dashain approaches, with farmers bringing livestock and poultry to sell for festival income and shoppers stocking up on food, clothes and household essentials.

The seasonal rush is giving the local economy a boost. Farmers are selling animals they have raised throughout the year to pay for Dashain expenses, while traders are scrambling to meet rising demand for clothing, groceries and other consumer goods.

At Bihibare market in Dhankuta's district headquarters, the number of people buying and selling goats has increased. Mobile traders from the Tarai have also begun arriving at weekly markets to sell clothes, utensils, shoes and slippers ahead of the festival.

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