Dhanusha: In preparation for the Chhath festival, Janakpurdham, the capital of the Madhes province, has imported bananas worth Rs 40 million from India. Bananas hold a crucial role in various rituals associated with the Chhath festival, and the demand for this fruit surges during the festive season.

Chhath festival observers traditionally offer a single banana comb to the Sun god as part of the rituals. Bishweshwar Yadav, the president of Janakpur Fruits and Vegetables Traders' Committee, highlighted the high demand for bananas during Chhath and the necessity to import them every year.

Although the soil in the Tarai-Madhes region of Nepal is suitable for banana cultivation, local production cannot meet the growing demand. Last year, Janakpur imported bananas worth Rs 17.5 million, and this year, nearly 70 truckloads have entered the provincial capital.

Various banana varieties, such as Gopal, Bansibhog, Malbhog, Mirichman, and Chini Champa, have been brought to Janakpur from Saptari district in Nepal and different locations in India, including Assam, Guwahati, Bangal, Hazipur, Thakurgunj, and Champaran.

Bhuwaneshwar Purbe, the Committee Secretary, mentioned that the price of bananas has increased by 25 percent this year compared to the previous year due to the growing demand. The number of people observing the Chhath festival continues to rise each year, prompting the import of 15 to 20 more trucks of bananas compared to the previous year.

Yadav stated that each truck carries 1,200 combs of bananas, with a transportation cost of Rs 600,000 per truck up to Janakpur. The selling price of each banana comb ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 in the market.

While Nepal has the potential for banana farming, technical problems have hindered increased banana production in the country, according to banana traders and cultivators.