Festivals are the special occasions for the people. They are the moments when the people share their feelings, experiences and joys. Festivals provide big respite to the people from the routine works and hardships. It is time when the family members come together and pass the moments of merriment. Most of the festivals and fiestas are associated with religions, ethnic history, cultural traditions, agriculture harvest, survival from the natural disasters and victory in wars. In the festivals, the people relish success from the harsh nature and fighting against their enemies.

Therefore, the festivals exude joy and pride to celebrators. In a similar manner, festivals serve as blissful occasions for family reunion and social cohesion. While some festivals are specific to the certain ethnic groups or community, others bear national character and are observed by the people of all ethnicities and nationalities. For example, Dashain and Tihar are celebrated by almost all social groups with fervour and passion.

There are different versions of arguments as to how the festivals originated. An expert, cited in a news report of this daily the other day, stated that people who survived natural calamities used to assemble together and organise feasts to celebrate the moments. Festivals, in their original form, transcended socio-cultural boundaries and embraced the wider concept of humanity.

In Nepal, festivals are the sources of national strength, unity and harmony. This is a reason why Nepal’s constitution has recognised the culture and festivals of all ethnic communities. The government grants holidays to mark the festivals belonging to different communities. It has been a great tradition that all festivals, carnival and rituals are equally treated in Nepal.

The idea of respecting all cultures, religions, languages and colours has been historically embedded in the enlightenment tradition and liberal cultural ethos of Nepali society. When Prithvi Narayan Shah, nation’s founding father, conquered Kathmandu in 1825 B.S., he accepted prasad and blessing from Kumari (living Goddess) before ascending the throne. Upon unifying Nepal, he had deferred to all deities, rituals and cultures of people living across the country.

Peace, goodwill and tolerance prevail in the society if the people respect and recognise the existences of different cultures and values, which form the invaluable social capital essential to avoid unnecessary conflict and promote development. Festivals inspire people to forget enmity and foster the common values. So they serve as the unifying element of the people.

Many Nepali festivals are now around the corner. We are soon going to celebrate Janai Purnima, Gai Jatra, Indra Jatra and Kushe Aunsi. Biggest festivals Dashain and Tihar are only over a month away. However, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebratory mood of Nepalis is now missing. Health experts have warned of the resurgence of third wave of coronavirus in October this year.

Dashain falls on the mid of the very month. Health should come first of everything else at the time of pandemic. So the people must adhere to all necessary health safety measures while marking the festivals and fairs.

At the same time, it is imperative to shun the tendency to indulge in pomp and extravagance that some display in the name of festival. Excessive materialism only ruins essence and spirit of festivals as this alienates the people living on the margins of society.