Dashain Cash Rush: Rs. 63 Billion Added to Nepal’s Currency Circulation in Ashwin

Cash demand in Nepal has surged ahead of the Dashain festival, with an additional Rs. 63 billion enteringcirculation during Ashwin, according toNepal Rastra Bank (NRB). The central bank’s data show that currencyin circulation increased from Rs. 794 billion at the end of Bhadra to Rs. 857billion by Ashwin 28, and officialsexpect the amount to rise further as the festival approaches. Despite the expansion of digital paymentservices,cash remains widely used for festive shopping, household expenses, and traditional cash gifts. Tomeet seasonal demand, approximately Rs. 13billion worth of new and clean banknotes has been exchangedthrough NRB and commercial banks. Of this amount, around Rs. 3 billion wasdistributed through NRB’sThapathali and provincial offices, while commercial banks received approximately Rs. 10 billion to provideexchangeservices to customers. The banknote exchange facility began on Ashwin 1 and coversdenominations of Rs. 5, Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, and Rs. 100.Each individual can exchange one bundle of 100notes from each denomination, with the total exchange limit amounting to Rs. 18,500 per person.The facilityremains available, and demand for clean banknotes is expected to increase further as families prepare forDashain, one of Nepal’smost widely celebrated festivals.