Kathmandu’s historic marketplaces have witnessed a surge in activity on Phulpati, the seventh day of the Dashain festival, as people prepare to welcome the auspicious offerings into their homes. Large crowds gathered at Maru Ganesh, Asan and Indrachowk from early morning to purchase flowers, sacred leaves, sugarcane, ginger plants and other items required for Phulpati rituals. The markets became busy as families