Kathmandu, Oct. 4 -- Nepal's monsoon has officially begun its retreat, bringing hope for a dry Dashain festival after last year's soggy holidays.

The weather system withdrew Sunday from the country's western regions, including most of Sudurpaschim, Karnali, western Lumbini, and parts of western Gandaki provinces. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the monsoon winds are rapidly weakening and are expected to exit the rest of the country within days.

The monsoon's departure tracks closely with the India Meteorological Department's forecast, which anticipates a complete withdrawal by October 10. The system originally arrived on June 19, six days behind its historical average.

The forecast offers a stark contrast to last ...