Dashain – The Festival of Togetherness
Dashain, Nepal’s most celebrated festival, is a grand ten-day event that commemorates the victory of good over evil. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and religious 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. This festival emphasises the significance of family bonds and the importance of maintaining close relationships.
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.
Spiritual Reflection
Throughout Dashain, many people also visit temples and perform various rituals to seek blessings, express gratitude, and reflect on their spiritual journey. It is a time for introspection and renewal of faith.
Dashain is more than just a religious celebration. It is a time for families to come together, strengthen bonds, and enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine. The festival is also marked by various cultural activities, such as dancing, singing, and kite flying.
Celebrate Dashain by hosting your own Gurkha Curry night
Gather your ‘chilli and spice and all friends nice’ this Dashain (October 3-12) and Tihar (October 30-November 3) 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 £30 you’ll receive a limited edition GWT gift.