I have always associated Dashain with Changa (kites) and Jamara. As Dashain approached, I would visit one of my friends’ houses who was excellent at flying kites. Although I never learned how to fly a kite myself, I would enjoy watching my friend do it. He would often offer me the chance to hold the kite, which made me extremely happy.
In my village, many clan-worshipping ceremonies take place during Dashain. People gather at a small temple-like building on the top of a hill, where the wind blows fiercely. The journey up the hill is long and tiring, but many attend the ceremony and offer a he-goat to the clan god. These innocent goats are sacrificed, and their blood is offered to appease the negative energies that the clan god is believed to carry. The god is also offered milk. This has always made me reflect on the duality of the world. I wonder why duality even exists. Why not just the oneness of everything? Why the contrast? Many such ceremonies are held in different places throughout the Dashain cycle, starting from Ghatasthapana.
Another thing that reflects this duality is the “16 Shradha” which takes place before Dashain. I feel that Dashain is a sophisticated and intricate cultural tradition symbolizing the victory of good over evil. While this victory is celebrated in Hinduism, I am somewhat skeptical of the belief, as goodness does not always seem to win.
During Dashain, there is a surge of relatives visiting our home, which I really enjoy. I am grateful to our ancestors for creating this tradition, as it brings people together. People share their sorrows and griefs, as well as their happiness and laughter. Dashain strengthens bonds between people, which adds to its beauty.
I can’t forget the Ping (traditional swing) during Dashain. Teenagers would travel far into the hilly jungles to gather babiyo (a type of grass) to build the swings. I clearly remember the chills I felt when swinging high and then descending.
Then, there is Dashami, which falls on the tenth day from Ghatasthapana. The vibrant yellow Jamara and the crimson Tika are placed on our foreheads by elders, which always made me feel special, especially when I received Dakshina (money). Honestly, as a child, nothing made Dashain more special than receiving that, Dakshina.
Even after Dashami, until the full moon day, people continue to visit their relatives’ homes to receive Tika and Jamara. Dashain is a beautiful festival, an exotic and intricate part of our culture that fills me with happiness and bliss.
I wish everyone could always be as happy as they are during Dashain. In the end, happy Dashain to everyone!
– Prabhat Rijal Science CS, Grade 12
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