Kathmandu, Oct. 21 -- day festival of lights, began on Saturday, traders said that the prices of most dry fruits have remained stable this year, with a few exceptions driven by the appreciation of the US dollar against the Nepali rupee.

The Nepali currency depreciated by 2.7 percent against the US dollar in mid-September 2025 compared to mid-July. The buying exchange rate per US dollar stood at Rs140.84 in mid-September, up from Rs137 in mid-July.

During Bhaitika, the fifth and final day of Tihar, sisters traditionally gift their brothers packets of dry fruits, seeds, and other nutritious items, pushing up sales of these festive essentials.

Devendra Bhakta Shrestha, president of the Nepal Retailers Association, said that the prices of ...