हट्यो सारा हिलो मैलो, हरायो पानिको बर्षा
भवानीको भयो पूजा, चल्यो सानन्दको बर्षा

“Slowly the cool shower of rain vanished breaking the bond of dirt and dust and with it came the auspicious moment where the almighty blesses her devotees after the humble worshipping she was offered”.

Oh yes! I am talking about Dashain. Generally accepted as a biggest festival of Nepal, the above cited poem by Lekhnath Poudel fully expresses the joy and excitement it brings in the heart of Nepalese.

For all Nepalese around the world, Dashain is of special importance. It is the festival that portrays the victory of good over evil. Elders give their blessings with Tika (rice mixed with curd and crimson color) to the young ones and it is celebrated with harmony and togetherness.

I have shared about Nepalese in South Africa and obviously, Dashain is blissful for everyone in here too. Umtata, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg Durban or Pretoria, the festival strengthened the bond of intimacy and help share happiness after some wonderful memories. Being no exception, I had some very good moments in the party jointly organized by president of NRN-Avatar Gurung and Bharat Regmi from Nepal Embassy. Getting to Kempton Park was a little problem though. Because of insecurity in alex I took lift with Bigyan Bhandari to get out of Alex and start pedaling. On the party, I was also helped loosen my complexity of stay with financial assistance. I wish I had some words to express my gratitude.

Tihar, the festival of lights is one of the most dazzling of all Hindu festivals recently follows after Dashain. In this festival Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth is worshipped. During the festival all the houses in the city and villages are decorated with lit oil lamps. This festival is celebrated in five days starting from the thirteenth day of the waning moon in October. Tihar is also referred as ‘Panchak Yama’ which literally means ‘the five days of the underworld lord’. ‘Yamaraj’ (the god of death) is worshipped in different forms in these five days. The festival is also meant for long and prosperous life.

Again, South Africa is no less. We, Nepalese here had some cheerful and bright time along with the visit to Temple. Party time! Twice more. On 17th we had a party at Kempton Park and it was at Alexendra at Ram Thapa, Bigyan Bhandari and Baikuntha Thapa’s place on 18th. Every moment was priceless. A new company of Mrs. Usha Kiran Pradhan and Dr. KC and their help is unforgettable.

I feel honored to share about the intimacy and harmony among Nepalese. Also the activities to preserve faith and culture is respectable.

Peace and Harmony,
Furtemba Sherpa