Kavre, Oct. 17 -- At a glance, the fields of Basdol in ward 12 of Banepa Municipality glow golden under the autumn sun. As the country's major festival Tihar is round the corner, the marigolds (sayapatri in Nepali) are in full bloom, announcing the season of lights and garlands. In the middle of this bright stretch, 58-year-old Madhav Ghimire is busy plucking flowers with his workers and family members. Their hands are moving swiftly from plant to plant.

Every year, the festive season around Dashain and Tihar is Ghimire's busiest time. Demand for flowers surges during the festivals, mainly during the Tihar. He spends his days harvesting, sorting, and sending truckloads to nearby markets. "This has become my life," said Ghimire, smiling a...