Happy Dashain!

Every year, our children and staff celebrate the Dashain Festival at the Contact Center, our early childhood education program. Dashain is the longest Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal every year. It takes place in the fall season, which is typically during our months of September and October. The festival lasts 15 days and honors the Goddess Durga and her strength and victory of good over evil! Dashain is celebrated with family reunions, gifts, good food, visiting Hindu shrines and puja (offerings).

A traditionally Hindu festival, everyone in Nepal celebrates Dashain. Even though all of our students are not Hindu, it is important for them to experience and understand the meaning of this important festival. They learn about the customs observed as part of this ancient tradition and are regaled with Dashain stories.

Everyone is given a ‘tika’ (the red marking on the forehead). These are made of red powder and rice and given by an elder as a blessing. This is followed by dancing, a nutritious lunch, lots of fun, and even delicious chocolate or ice cream!

After two years of not being able to celebrate together due to the pandemic, we are thankful to once again gather in-person for this year’s Dashain Festival.