Somber Dashain

This year, Dashain was not so joyous for Nepalis. The country is still struggling to recover from the tragedy that occurred more than three weeks ago. It plunged into an unprecedented crisis after the previous government killed scores of protesters in the peaceful Gen Z movement on September 8. With the death of around 75 persons, mostly young people, many lost their loved ones. Since Dashain is an occasion for family reunion and receiving blessings from the elders, this joy eluded the families bereft of their dearest offspring as well as parents, in the worst political unrest in recent memory. Dozens of injured young protesters are still undergoing treatment in hospitals. Agony and tears have accompanied Dashain as the sombre recollection of departed youths and the afflicted endure with immediacy. 

Given the adverse situation of the country, the heads of state and  government did not offer Tika to the members of the general public on the occasion of Bada Dashain. There has been a tradition for the President to give the Dashain Tika to the people during the Bada Dashain every year. Similarly, Prime Minister Sushila Karki did not receive and offer 'Dashain Tika' to the commoners. They did so in respect to the Gen Z martyrs. So the biggest festival of Nepalis was not as cheerful 

as in the past. 

On the day of Bijaya Dashami, Prime Minister Karki visited the families of Gen Z martyrs, consoled them and inquired about their problems. She stated that the government was working to provide financial support, as well as employment opportunities, to the members of such families. Karki also accused the previous government of not using its discretion during the protest that resulted in the deaths of many young people. Her consoling words and commitment to support them will 

help them emerge from a difficult situation and heal their wounds to some extent. 

While the grief-stricken country could not wholeheartedly celebrate Dashain, the erratic rain caused inconvenience to the people visiting their hometowns to mark Dashain and receive Tika from their elders. This year, the monsoon entered Nepal 15 days earlier and its withdrawal will also be delayed. Due to the monsoon trough that developed in the Bay of Bengal, heavy downpours continue to lash all over the country. They are expected to stay for the next couple of days. The people have to maintain caution while travelling long distances. It is the impact of the Westerly winds that will determine the exit of the monsoon. This year, rain-induced landslides obstructed the roads and highways. This is a reason why only a little over 600,000 people left the capital city to celebrate Dashain with their families.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Karki, in her message delivered on the occasion of Bijaya Dashami, said that the government is committed to maintaining good governance and holding the elections within the stipulated timeframe. Ending endemic corruption has been the demand of Gen Z youths and the incumbent administration requires putting its best foot forward to live up to their aspirations. Dashain is a blissful moment that binds families and society. The festivities bear therapeutic elements essential to overcome trauma and agony that people suffer in the post-conflict situation. In that sense, Dashain, which promotes feelings of peace, harmony and happiness, has helped the community to overcome grief to a certain extent.