Surge in Condom Sales Linked to Rastriya Swatantra Party Protest in Pokhara!
Currently, Pokhara, a major tourist destination in Nepal, is bustling with both domestic and international visitors. The number of people enjoying the city's hotels, restaurants, lounges, and bars is steadily increasing. Notably, there has been a significant turnout of people protesting against the arrest of Ravi Lamichhane, the president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). In addition, many cooperative victims are also seen demonstrating with large crowds.
The increase in tourist numbers naturally leads to a rise in the consumption of daily necessities in the market. There has also been a notable uptick in the number of people seeking medical attention and purchasing medicine due to the cold weather.
In the last three to four days, there has been a remarkable increase in the demand for condoms in Pokhara. Rohit Dhimal, who runs a pharmacy at Shahid Chowk, noted that most of the customers purchasing condoms are domestic tourists. According to him, while he previously sold an average of 6–7 condoms a day, that number has surged to 40–50 in recent times.
Rohit stated, “I used to bring five packets from the warehouse, and it would take me two weeks to sell them all. However, all of those were sold out from last Saturday to yesterday, so I have reordered again today.” He mentioned that each packet contains 10 condoms.
Regarding the nature of his customers, Rohit observed, “It seems there has been a significant increase in tourist numbers. While tourists have come before, most of the condom buyers were foreigners. This time, they are primarily locals.”
Similarly, Vivek Pandit, who operates a pharmacy at Prithvi Chowk, also reported an increase in the number of customers buying condoms. He stated that his shop typically sells 5–7 units of antibiotics, Amoxicillin, Coady Moxazole, Azithromycin, Setracone, Decongestant, Paracetamol, Salbutamol, and condoms daily. Over the past three days, he has sold seven packets of condoms.
“Winter has just begun, and not many foreign tourists have arrived yet. However, all the customers I have sold condoms to are Nepali,” he remarked.
Pandit admitted he couldn’t distinguish the nature of his customers, saying, “I can't identify the nature of my customers. But honestly, I’m not too concerned. This is my business, and I’m happy that my products are selling.”
Interestingly, the RSP has issued strict instructions to its leaders and workers who have traveled to Pokhara for protests, advising them not to share photos of leisure activities on social media. This directive reportedly came after the party learned that participants were briefly engaging in demonstrations before quietly leaving the scene.