Nepal, Sept. 30 -- While homes across the country bustle with festive cheer, delicious meals, and new clothes, for landless squatter families living in Banara Camp of Shuklaphanta Municipality-11 near the East-West Highway, Dashain remains a distant dream. Struggling to secure even two meals a day, the festival only deepens their daily hardships.

Recalling decades of struggle, 65-year-old Mathu Devi Damai said, "We have no land to earn from, our age is advancing, and labor work isn't always available. One day of labour in a week barely covers our breakfast and dinner." She added, "We wish to enjoy good meals and wear new clothes during Dashain, but without money, what hope is there? Our days pass just like this."

At present, only the el...