📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Nirmal Raj Joshi
Travel
Thousands of Nepali shoppers flood Panitanki as Dashain rush prompts tighter border security
✍️ Sikkimexpress
🗓 18 Oct 2026, 04:32 AM
👁 10
During the Dashain festival, a large number of Nepali shoppers crossed into Panitanki, prompting Indian authorities to reinforce security along the Indo‑Nepal border.
Panitanki, a border town in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, has seen a pronounced surge of Nepali shoppers this week as the Hindu festival of Dashish draws crowds from across the border. Travelers are moving through the Panitanki Integrated Check Post to purchase festive goods, clothing and household items, creating a bustling scene at the market area.
In response to the heightened footfall, Indian security forces have stepped up patrols and installed additional screening equipment at the crossing. Checkpoints are now operating with extended hours, and officers are conducting systematic verification of documents to ensure smooth yet secure movement.
Local traders report a noticeable increase in sales, while officials stress that the temporary security measures are aimed at preventing any illegal activity without disrupting legitimate trade. The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, promising to adjust protocols as the Dashain period progresses.
The influx underscores the deep cultural and economic ties between the neighboring nations, especially during major festivals when cross‑border commerce traditionally spikes.
In response to the heightened footfall, Indian security forces have stepped up patrols and installed additional screening equipment at the crossing. Checkpoints are now operating with extended hours, and officers are conducting systematic verification of documents to ensure smooth yet secure movement.
Local traders report a noticeable increase in sales, while officials stress that the temporary security measures are aimed at preventing any illegal activity without disrupting legitimate trade. The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, promising to adjust protocols as the Dashain period progresses.
The influx underscores the deep cultural and economic ties between the neighboring nations, especially during major festivals when cross‑border commerce traditionally spikes.