Hills awaken, courtyards filled as Dashain brings families home

BANKE, Oct 24: Silent homes in the western hills came alive during Dashain as closed doors reopened, traditional dishes filled kitchens, and courtyards welcomed returning family members. Young people who had left their villages for jobs in Nepal and abroad returned home for the festival, bringing a festive atmosphere to the hills of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. Along with the excitement of the festival, their return also restored smiles to the faces of elderly parents who had long missed their children.