Dashain or Festival Season is in full swing in Nepal. It is the longest and most anticipated festival in Nepal, a Hindu holiday celebrated by Nepalese Hindus throughout the globe. Because of the emphasis on family gathering and community ties, people travel from all over the country to their home villages to celebrate with family and relatives. People also return from all parts of the world to observe this important holiday. Government offices, schools and other offices remain closed during the festival season.
There are many activities and ceremonies during the Festival Season. Siblings exchange gifts with their brothers and sisters. Special meals are prepared and enjoyed. New clothes are purchased for the special occasions. Most villagers live below poverty level so for many, new clothes are only purchased at this time of year. There are many processions for the deities, parades and rituals believed to ensure safety, prosperity and health for the following year.
Tika is observed regularly by Hindu believes but in the Festival Season it is strictly regarded. Women combine uncooked rice, yogurt and vermilion powder to create a paste. Elders apply tika to the forehead of younger relatives and bless them with abundance for the upcoming year.
Thousands of animals are slaughtered as sacrifices to the gods. Blood offering are given to the deities to appease them and for answers to prayers. The meat which is blessed by the priest is taken home and eaten with a special feast. There has been a huge debate over the slaughter of so many animals. Last year 45,000 goats were sold for sacrifices during Dashain and already this month, 28,000 goats have been sacrificed. Water buffaloes and ducks are also slaughtered in great numbers.
Kites are flown for fun and to signal messages to the gods. Bamboo swings are erected especially for this season. The swings provide much enjoyment for the children. At the end of the month long Festival Season, people feel that the deities are happy and that they are personally blessed with prosperity, health and longevity.
