NRB Begins Distribution of Clean Currency Notes for Dashain

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has begun distributing clean and fresh banknotes for the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals. The exchange facility started on Sunday and will continue until September 26.

Deputy Spokesperson Suman Neupane said the central bank has arranged note distribution not only from its Thapathali office in Kathmandu but also through all seven provincial offices. Licensed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) have also been directed to provide exchange services to their customers.

Individuals can exchange up to Rs 18,500 in smaller denominations of Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, and Rs 100. This year, however, only Rs 5 denomination notes are newly printed, while other denominations are being provided as clean notes.

The NRB clarified that the focus has shifted from issuing only newly printed notes to distributing clean and fresh notes. Officials said the move is aimed at preventing damage to new notes during festive use while still ensuring quality notes are available for rituals and family exchanges.

Commercial banks have been instructed to announce the branches offering exchange services on their websites. Outside the Valley, NRB’s provincial offices in Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj, Pokhara, Siddharthanagar, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadhi will provide notes to BFIs for public distribution.

The central bank has urged the public to visit their nearest designated branch to exchange notes instead of crowding at its main office.