Dhangadhi, Sept. 28 -- For Nepalis working in various cities across India, returning home to celebrate Dashain and Tihar-two major Hindu festivals-has been a tradition.

As the country's biggest festivals approach, almost every border point, bus terminal, and major highway is teeming with people heading home for the celebrations.

At the Gauriphanta, also called Trinagar border point in Sudurpashchim Province, alone, thousands of Nepali migrant workers are returning home daily to mark the festivals. Yet, even amid this festive rush, a significant number are also crossing in the opposite direction-leaving for India in search of work right before the festivals.

On both sides of the Gauriphanta border in Kailali district, the mix of joy and...