Dashain Ko Ramailo: Naya Lugaa, Gifts ra Tika Ko Taiyari
There’s a particular kind of excitement that only Dashain brings. The ping goes up in the courtyard, and kids are already fighting over who gets the first turn. Somewhere in the house, someone’s counting days until Tika – not for the holiday itself, but for the moment they finally get to wear their naya lugaa out loud, showing it off to cousins who are doing exactly the same thing. For the grown-ups, it’s a different kind of excitement: bags packed for the trip back to the home district, gifts sorted for nieces and nephews you only see a handful of times a year, and that quiet relief of finally sitting down with the whole family – mama-ghar, phupu-ghar, all of it – after months of everyone being scattered across their own routines.
Dashain 2026 begins with Ghatasthapana on October 11, leads up to Tika on October 21, and closes with Kojagrat Purnima on October 25. And this year, like every year, the to-do list is long: naya lugaa for everyone, gifts that actually mean something, jamara that needs tending, and Tika morning to get right. If you’re planning your Dashain shopping in Kathmandu, here’s how to get through the whole list in one trip instead of a dozen.
Naya Lugaa: The One Tradition Kids Never Let You Skip
Ask any child what they’re most looking forward to this Dashain, and it’s rarely the tika or the feast – it’s the new outfit sitting folded on the shelf, waiting for Dashami. At City Centre, Studio 9 on the 2nd Floor is worth a stop for trendy pieces across both men’s and women’s wear. If you’re shopping for women’s wear specifically, Urban Closet, also on the 2nd Floor, has kurtas, tops, and festive outfits worth a browse. For the little ones, Lhameen Shop on the 1st Floor is built exactly for this – kids’ clothing, footwear, and accessories for everyday wear and special occasions alike, so their Dashain outfit doesn’t get left to a rushed, last-minute pick. Skechers, also on the 1st Floor, is worth a stop too — while footwear is the main draw, the store also stocks children-sized apparel and accessories, so it doubles as a quick option for sporty, comfortable outfits alongside the shoes.
Gifts for Relatives You’re Finally Seeing Again
Dashain is one of the few times of year the whole family actually comes together – Tika visits to mama-ghar, phupu-ghar, and back again, plates of sel roti passed around, elders putting tika and dakshina in the same breath. Showing up with a thoughtful gift alongside the customary dakshina is how a lot of people mark those visits now. Gift House Nepal on the 1st Floor covers watches, perfumes, sunglasses, and accessories in one stop – genuinely useful for a list that spans grandparents to teenage cousins. If you’d rather pick a fragrance specifically, Aura Scents Nepal has a solid perfume range, also on the 1st Floor. And for the tech-loving cousin or nephew, HONOR on the 2nd Floor – Nepal’s first exclusive HONOR experience store – or Pranish Store nearby for gadgets across a wider range of budgets.
Tika Ko Taiyari: Getting Ready for the Big Morning
Tika morning is the one everyone photographs and compares notes on for years after, so it’s worth taking the prep seriously rather than rushing it the night before. Nari Shringar on the 3rd Floor is built exactly for this – jewellery sets, bangles, and kurtas together in one store, with festive collections designed for occasions like this. For nail and hand prep, Aozora Nails on the 2nd Floor offers manicures and nail art, so you can walk into Tika morning already looking your best. And for a finishing touch, Remu Time Shop on the 1st Floor has watches and sunglasses to complete the look.
Heading Home for Tika? Sort the Travel Bag First
For a lot of families, Dashain means the annual trip back to the home district – the one time of year the whole extended family is actually under one roof. That trip usually means a proper bag, and it’s the one thing everyone forgets until the night before the bus leaves. Safari on the 2nd Floor and Crocodile on the 1st Floor both specialize in durable luggage – hard-shell and soft bags alike – worth sorting early, before the bus park and ticket counters get chaotic closer to Tika week.
Bring the Kids – Let Them Have Their Own Dashain Moment
Between the ping outside and the new clothes waiting to be worn, kids are usually more excited about Dashain than anyone else in the house. Bring that energy along on your shopping trip instead of fighting it. Drop them at Little People Baby Game Zone on the 2nd Floor while the adults finish the list, then regroup as a family before heading home. It turns an errand into the kind of afternoon Dashain is actually meant for.
Practical Notes Before You Go
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, before the crowds build up around Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami
- Parking: Fills up quickly on peak days – build in extra time
- Festive offers: Many stores at City Centre run festive discounts during Dashain – worth checking in-store for current offers.
- Hours and contact: Store timings can shift slightly around Tika day – phone numbers are listed on each store page above, so it’s worth a quick call ahead
Dashain doesn’t wait, and neither should your shopping list. Head to City Centre this week – naya lugaa, gifts, jewellery, and everything in between, all under one roof. Bring the whole family, make a day of it, and walk into Tika morning with nothing left to worry about.