Gelephu businesses stock up ahead of 108 Stupas event

With just days to go before the event, businesses across the town are preparing for the influx of visitors.

Shopkeepers say they are keeping more stock than usual in anticipation of higher demand for essential goods.

Hemlal Dhakal, a shopkeeper in Gelephu, said businesses are stocking up on supplies but remain uncertain about demand, as some visitors may bring their own essentials.

“We are stocking up on whatever we can in our storage rooms. We are worried that we might run short of supply. At the same time, we wonder if we will have customers coming in. While people are travelling here from far places, many are also bringing their own essentials,” he said.

Despite the uncertainty, customers are already buying mattresses, groceries and other essential items ahead of the event.

Bastimal, a shopkeeper in Gelephu, said sales are going well, with many customers buying black foam and thinner mattresses.

“Many people are mainly buying the black foam and other thinner mattresses. More people are here now than in the past. Our sales are going well,” he said.

With demand expected to rise, prices remain a concern for residents and visitors. However, shopkeepers say they do not plan to increase prices.

Ritna Kumari, a shopkeeper in Gelephu, said prices will remain unchanged despite the expected arrival of a large number of visitors.

“Prices are the same as before, and they will not increase just because many people are coming here. We are also stocking more than we did in the past because many people are expected to come,” she said.

As preparations continue for the 108 Stupas event, businesses in Gelephu are filling their shelves and storerooms with essential goods while keeping prices steady ahead of the expected gathering of people from across the country and beyond.