Key Takeaways:
- NRB will sell gold asarfi and silver medallions on November 5 and 6
- One 25-gram gold asarfi and up to two silver medallions can be purchased per person
- Sales will take place from 11 am to 3 pm at the Mint Division's Babarmahal office
- Payment can be made in cash or through QR code
- Prices will be fixed daily before sales begin
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will begin selling gold asarfi and silver medallions ahead of Tihar, targeting devotees who use the items during Laxmi Puja, one of the most important rituals of the festival.
The central bank's Mint Division, operating under the Currency Management Department, said sales will take place from its Babarmahal office on November 5 and 6.
According to a notice issued by the division, each customer will be allowed to purchase one 25-gram gold asarfi and up to two pieces of 10-gram silver medallions bearing the images of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesh.
The special items are traditionally placed on household altars during Laxmi Puja, when worshippers pray for prosperity, wealth and good fortune.
Sales will be conducted from 11 am to 3 pm on both days and will continue only while stocks remain available.
Individuals wishing to purchase the items must appear in person and present a copy of their Nepali citizenship certificate, national identity card or another valid identification document containing an identification number.
The central bank said payments can be made either in cash or through QR code transactions.
NRB has also stated that the selling price of the gold asarfi and silver medallions will be determined daily at around 11 am, with sales commencing only after the rates have been fixed.