As for most teens, the traditions that take place during Dashain like playing cards, eating lots of food, and playing on the lingayping are what Dashain is about. It adds flavour and amusement to a week full of loved ones and culture.

Dashain is the most exciting time of the year. I think many Nepalese people can relate when I say, Dashain is the highlight of the year. The food, the traditions, and the family time are irreplaceable. 

 

Dashain is such an auspicious and important time for Hindus. It is a time of celebration and family. As Dashain approaches, the mood in Kathmandu changes; people start to leave for their home towns to spend Dashain with their loved ones, lingaypings start to get built in temples and parks, more and more kites get flown, and people start shopping for new clothes. All that mixed with the joy of children and teens who are excited to take a break and enjoy, and adults who are shopping and preparing for Dashain makes it the ultimate atmosphere. This new environment created during Dashain is extremely celebratory and enjoyable. 

 

Dashain has religious significance as many pujas take place and many cultural traditions like tika, worshipping and being grateful for machines, eating lots of cultural food, etc. Those pujas and traditions that are done annually bring family members together and give them a reason to celebrate. However, the activities that are specifically practised during the Dashain time make me eager and excited as soon as fall begins and it isn’t as hot. Everyone has their own unique Dashain experience; something they do every year and look forward to. For me, it has always been spending quality time with my family and playing cards. It’s something I have always done and enjoyed. Moments like such where I can enjoy myself are something I will always cherish. 

 

As for most teens, the traditions that take place during Dashain like playing cards, eating lots of food, and playing on the lingayping are what Dashain is about. It adds flavour and amusement to a week full of loved ones and culture. The memories and experiences unique to Dashain make Dashain special. My cousins and I love to go out and swing on the lingaypings as it is exciting and something that can only be done during and around the Dashain time. When I asked some of my friends, they said that playing on the lingayping and playing card games were the highlights of their Dashain. There are the fundamentals that Dashain would be incomplete without; there are shopping for new clothes, planting jamara, going to relatives’ houses and receiving money and gifts, dressing up and wearing jewelry. During Dashain, both the cultural and entertaining traditions hold so much sentiment and nostalgia. Like many, I have a set of memories associated with Dashain which makes it special and exciting. It will always be such a memorable and celebratory time. 

 

As we grow older many things will change but the joy, excitement, and pleasure that comes with Dashain will remain the same. It plays a massive role in Nepalese culture and one’s childhood. Every year, I get excited to celebrate Dashain and do fun activities with the ones I love. What are some things you look forward to? What memories do you associate with Dashain?