Message of love on Dashian
Rebecca Lama *
"Early Winter"- the most beautiful festive season as this season mark with various festival celebrated by all races and religion.
Among all the festival in this season one such is 'Dashian' the oldest and the most joyous festival celebrated by the Gorkha/ Nepali community all over the world.
'Dashian or Dashara' commemorates the victory of Good over Evil which infact is believed (that), how Goddess Durga slayed the terrible Mahisasur who terrorized the Earth.
Dashian is the longest and the (most) auspicious festival of the Gorkhas/Nepalese observed by all caste and creed. It is a 15 day joyous celebration however the tenth day mark the beginning of Tikka.
The Tikka is made up of Rice and curd mixed together (sometimes colour is added) to make a paste. On the tenth day, this 'Tikka' is smeared on the forehead of the younger ones by elders of family and this 'Tikka' is associated with a small bunch of 'Jamara' (sprouted maize saplings) on the right side of the ear.
The custom of smearing 'Tikka' indicates the blessings given by the elders to be always victorious and brave which is what 'Dashian' is all about and is what Gorkhas are known for.
Before 'Tikka' in preparation for Dashian every house is cleansed and decorated, this is the only day where the reunion of distant and nearby relatives takes place. No matter how rich or poor, every house is filled with joy and happiness.
The reunion of family is one of the best part of this festival just to receive the 'Tikka' and the blessings Gorkha/ Nepales from all around the world gather with their family. The celebration continues for the next four days.
After five days of rushing around and meeting the relatives Dashian ends on the full moon day, ie the 15th day. After Dashian everyone settle back to normal life receiving the blessing of Goddess Durga, people are ready to work and acquire virtue, power and wealth.
No matter what the festival have to tell as mentioned already that it is a family reunion festival and would like to wish each and everyone a very happy Dashian.
* Rebecca Lama wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was posted on October 22 2015.
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