Caregivers make a joyful Dashain to elderlies in Pashupatinath Briddha Ashram

By Mahima Devkota, Kathmandu, Oct.5: Dashain is a festival for receiving a blessing from elderlies but for many elderlies in Pashupatinath Briddha Ashram, festivals are just a sore reminder of just how lonely they are. 

Goma Devi Sharma (name changed), a septuagenarian, can be seen crying at the premises of the Pashupatinath Briddha Ashram, remembering all her family members, but when asked she often says, “Something entered my eyes.” She does not have any children, and after the death of her husband, she was in the care of her nephew. She was dropped by her nephew eight months ago here.

Ram Tamang (name changed), an elderly who has been residing in the Ashram for the last 15 years cannot talk but his sadness is clearly seen on his wrinkled face. In sign language, he said, “Festivals are extra lonely for me. However, these caregivers who are taking care of us day and night are now my family. They see my tears, my smile, my well- and my diseased state as a loving family member.” 

This is a reality for many elderlies who are waiting for the gentle, warm smile of their family members during Dashain, but the wait becomes harder knowing their relatives and children will never stop by to ask for them. However, caregivers of the Pashupatinath Briddha Ashram have stepped up to make a lively Dashain for elderlies not by managing but by being there as a family member. 

The old-age home located at the premise of the Pashupatinath temple is the only home run by the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, and shelters 96 elderlies It houses elderly people who have either been kicked out of their homes by their offspring or feel neglected at home. 

Bimala Thapa, a caregiver of the Pashupatinath Bridhha Ashram said that there are 96 elderlies in the Pashupatinath Briddha Ashram, but only a few children come to visit their parents. Elderlies feel alienated during festivities, so we fulfill that role. 

“During Dashain, we hurriedly finish tika in our home and come to receive tika for the elderlies. We are each other’s family now,” she said. 

Dev Kumari Dahal, a caregiver of the Pashupatinath Briddha Ashram, has been working in the old- age home for 20 years and she has taken the responsibility of making a homely Dashain for elderlies in the Ashram.

She said, “Though I feel rushed and uneasy to leave my children behind home, but, I also understand that the elderlies in the Ashram needs a family too. I have been there long enough to be part of their family. Therefore, after finishing tika in my home, I go to Pashupatinath Briddha Ashram for making Dashian a joyful festivity to elderlies.” 

Elderlies celebrate Dashain by eating good food, cherishing the festival mood, and putting tika with each other.