Dashain rush sees heavy influx of Nepaleseshoppers at Panitanki, security tightened along Indo-Nepal border

PRASHANT ACHARYA

PANITANKI, : The Indo-Nepal border at Panitanki witnessed a significant rush of visitors from Nepal on Thursday as shoppers crossed into India for Dasain (Dashain) festival shopping, continuing a decades-old tradition of cross-border trade and people-to-people ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Panitanki market, located along the Indo-Nepal border in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, was crowded with Nepalese shoppers purchasing essential commodities, clothing and other festive items ahead of the major Hindu festival. Many visitors said they preferred shopping in India because several items were comparatively cheaper than those available in Nepal.

For generations, residents of Nepal's border towns and surrounding areas have travelled to Panitanki to purchase goods for their families during Dasain. The seasonal shopping rush reflects the longstanding economic and cultural connections between communities on both sides of the international border.

Ram Khatiwada, a resident of Dhulabari in Nepal who visited Panitanki for festive shopping, highlighted the close relationship between the two countries.

“India and Nepal have a roti-beti relationship. We have been coming here for shopping for decades. Similarly, people from India also visit Nepal to purchase Chinese goods, garments and other products,” he said.

The roti-beti expression reflects the deep-rooted social, familial and cultural bonds shared by people living on either side of the border.

Heightened Security Ahead of the Festive Season Amid the festive rush, security arrangements along the Indo-Nepal border have been strengthened, with police and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) maintaining heightened vigilance. Security personnel have intensified checking and monitoring to ensure that the increased movement of people and vehicles does not compromise border security.

The security alert comes ahead of the Puja festivities, when cross-border movement traditionally increases. Authorities are keeping a close watch on vehicles and commuters passing through the border checkpoints.

As part of the broader security preparedness, a police barricade was inaugurated at Raniganj by Inspector General Sukesh Kumar Jain. The initiative is part of the arrangements aimed at strengthening security and improving monitoring during the festive period.

The heavy movement of shoppers and vehicles also led to traffic congestion near the New and Old Mechi Bridges, which connect the border areas of India and Nepal. Long queues of vehicles were seen waiting for security checks and clearance, causing delays for commuters travelling between the two countries.

The increased number of private vehicles, commercial transport and cross-border shoppers placed additional pressure on traffic management around the bridge approaches and border checkpoints.

Despite tighter security and traffic delays, the festive shopping rush once again highlighted the enduring relationship between Panitanki and neighbouring Nepalese towns such as Kakarbhitta and Dhulabari.

For many Nepalese families, visiting Panitanki before Dasain is not merely a shopping trip but an established annual tradition. At the same time, Indian visitors also travel to Nepal for garments and other consumer goods, sustaining a two-way flow of shoppers and supporting local businesses on both sides.

As Dasain approaches, the busy markets and crowded border crossings offer a visible reminder of the close ties between India and Nepal, where commerce, culture and family connections continue to bring people together across the international boundary.