Preparations for the Dashain festival in Nepal are underway, with overall shopping activity increasing. However, traders in Chitwan are reporting slower-than-anticipated sales of goats and Himalayan goats, despite bringing animals from western Nepal. The anticipated rush of buyers has yet to materialize, causing concern among livestock vendors. This discrepancy suggests potential economic factors affecting consumer spending on livestock specifically, despite broader festival-related purchases. The situation is being closely monitored as the festival approaches, with hopes for an uptick in sales. Traders remain hopeful that demand will increase closer to the main Dashain celebrations. The slower livestock market contrasts with the general rise in festival shopping.