Experiencing Dashain in Nepal

When I arrived in Kathmandu from Sydney, I could never have imagined that I would be involved in one of the most valued and meaningful festivals of the Nepali people. I had learned about Dashain, but I had no way of knowing how cozy, colorful, and vibrant this time would be, and I certainly hadn’t imagined that Dashain would be spread across the entire country. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, I could immediately smell the incense burning, hear laughter joyfully echoing all around me, and I really felt a part of something spiritual.

Arriving in Nepal During Dashain

Walking the streets of Kathmandu revealed newly painted homes, shops all decorated in flower petals, and kites/distaffs flying high in the blue autumn sky. Families shopped for new clothes, children smiled with their anticipation of the celebration day, and everyone appeared to have some special glow in their eyes. The family I was with immediately integrated me into their family, describing Dashain as family time, the time to worship goddess Durga, and a time to celebrate good overcoming evil. The celebratory atmosphere was contagious and pleasant.

I attended ‘Phulpati’ with my host family, who were decorating their house with marigolds and banana stalks, while the women in the house prepared the family for the evening celebration with traditional foods. The aroma of goat curry and sel roti wafted through the home as the family prepared to dress for their celebration. This whole process reminded me of Christmas celebrations back home, yet it had such a different style of energy and cultural beauty, in the invitation to join every part of the ritual, helping to prepare, the decoration, and, of course, the banter of prayers to the god. To see everyone come together in such a wholesome way made me see that Dashain was not just a festival. It is a state of being connected hearts.

Receiving Tika and Jamara

One of the most poignant moments I experienced occurred on Vijaya Dashami when my grandmother’s host placed a vermilion red tika on my forehead and provided me jamara for health and prosperity. As she prayed for my happiness, I could feel my heart preparing to cry happy tears. Over 7000 km away from my family in Sydney, and in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was so grounding to feel connected to being part of a family here. Authenticity in gratitude, smiles, and gentle laughter gave me feelings of real experience created from these emotions, and one truth about love and kindness: it can exist at distances from any place in this world.

The Spirit of Kinship

Furthermore, I noticed families traveling, walking, and traveling the last distances to meet one another. I watched the cases of temples overflow with massive numbers of devotees, families swing high on bamboo swings in fields, and older folk find sun to reminisce about their glory days. I tasted laughter and music, and future meal fellowship plates with friends, family, and kind friends. Each moment fleeting reminded me of the serious lessons in life, like they were yet again, another reminder of the simple truth that remains: happiness is in the sharing.

The generous and welcoming lens of Nepali culture allowed a deep sense of joy to touch my heart. Dashain and my newfound kinship sought to illustrate more about connection through gratitude and faith in life.

Reflecting on My Dashain Experience

As I was packing my bags to journey back to Sydney, I understood that I was leaving Dashain with something more than just a collection of beautiful memories filled with love that had the potential to last longer into life. Dashain helped me slow down, with family and understandings, and celebrate abundance, irrespective of how much we have to spend, little and small. I learned that festivals are not merely celebrations, but a celebration that binds us to our traditions and shows us what’s possible with our connection to other people, regardless of the distance we live from each other.

Why You Should Experience the Dashain Festival in Nepal

If you ever contemplate a trip to Nepal, and you can plan accordingly, this time of the year would be a time to mark on your plan. Dashain is a wonderful opportunity to feel the culture of Nepal. You will see the country in its true character and fullness, with energy, family, and happiness. From people in terraced temples visiting deities, to the sounds of drums in the hills, Dashain is alive – everyone is taking part in the festival of Dashain. You will both observe and participate as a traveler in Nepal, and you will experience the meaning of traveling well.

Last thoughts

My journey to Nepal from Sydney was not only a journey; it was the act of experiencing culture. Watching Dashain reminded me that a cultural practice can transverse borders and swirl into a river for a lifetime. And suddenly, the culture of Nepal becomes a home away from home; Dashain leaves behind beautiful days of love, community, and happiness. You will walk away from the festival being grateful and have a warm heart.