Fair deal for Dashain at one venue Bhrikutimandap is buzzing with people visiting Kathmandu Utsav that has been going on for a couple of days. “Of all events held here, Kathmandu Utsav is more fun, more entertainment and opportunity to do the necessary shopping for Dashain at a fair price,” said visitor Saroj Khadka, who hails from Khotang district. The utsav attracts a huge number of visitors. “The first two days saw a large turnout. We are expecting more people in the days ahead,” says Jaya Ram Karki (Stall-6). “Around 15-20,000 visitors show up each day on an average,” said Raj Man Tamang, marketing officer, Everest Events and Exhibitions Pvt Ltd. And why shouldn’t people throng the utsav? It offers a wide range of goods, from household items (with 10 to 20 per cent discount) to knick-knacks. Another visitor Dina Nath Ghimire from Necha, Solukhumbu, said, “I cannot say whether the retailers are being generous and giving the customers discount or it is just another trick to sell goods that have been in stock for years.” Anyway customer is king and the choice always rests on the customer whether s/he wants to shop here or someplace else. “I like the offer on electronic goods. The products can easily be identified according to brands,” said a shopkeeper, who has an apparel stall. The apparel and the kitchenware stalls were the most crowded. Retailer of Nepali leather products, Subin Munikar, said that as Chinese goods, (cost of some items are half than what a home product costs) have taken over the market, “it has become really difficult to convince customers these days”. Visitors will also be entertained by Rock Heads — a constest for amateur bands, Lok Dohori competition and fashion shows. A nationwide painting competion for school students is on. You can vote for the best painting. (Entry fee Rs 20. Utsav is on till October 8)