The Traditions of Dashain: A Celebration of Togetherness
Dashain, Nepal’s most celebrated festival, is a grand ten-day event that commemorates the victory of good over evil. Beyond its deep spiritual roots, Dashain is a vibrant, joyful season centred around family reunions, rich feasts, and timeless cultural rituals.
Family Reunions and Togetherness
One of the hallmark features of Dashain is the grand reunion of families. Members from far and wide travel back to their ancestral homes to celebrate together. Elders offer blessings, and younger ones pay their respects.
The Tika Ceremony
The tenth and final day of Dashain is known as ‘Tika’. On this day, family members gather to receive Tika and Jamara (a combination of maize and barley sprouts) from their elders, particularly from their parents and grandparents.
Elders apply Tika on the foreheads of their younger relatives, along with blessings for happiness, prosperity, and good fortune.
Vibrant Traditions: Swings and Kite Flying
Dashain fills the air with laughter and colour through iconic community traditions. Skies are dotted with colourful kites, while towering bamboo swings, known as Linge Ping, are built across villages and cities. According to popular belief, stepping onto a swing allows you to “leave the ground” at least once during the festival to wash away bad omens and invite good health. Soaring high on the Ping represents letting go of life’s worries, embracing the festive spirit, and uniting entire communities in shared celebration.
Spiritual Reflection and Celebration
Throughout the festival, people visit local temples to perform sacred rituals, express gratitude, and seek divine grace. It is a season for spiritual renewal, joyful dancing, and gathering around tables laden with delicious, traditional Nepali cuisine—bringing faith, fun, and community together as one.
Celebrate Dashain by hosting your own Gurkha Curry night
Gather your ‘chilli and spice and all friends nice’ this Dashain (October 11-25) and Tihar (November 7-11) and host your own curry night to help raise vital funds to support our work.
It’s free to register and you’ll have access to lots of resources to help you plan your event and cook up a delicious Gurkha curry. What’s more, when you raise £50 you’ll receive a limited edition GWT gift.