Dixya Poudel

With the arrival of Dashain, Nepalis are looking forward to the festivities even though the threat of the coronavirus looms large. This year’s Dashain was delayed by a month due to Adhik Maas according to the lunar calendar and falls in Kartik.
Every year, Dashain is characterised by pleasant autumn weather and a joyful, jubilant feeling of festivities. This is because Dashain is one of the most auspicious festivals of Nepal that symbolises the victory of good over evil. It is also the longest Hindu festival for Nepalis with celebrations lasting for 15 days. There are several legends about Dashain. One of them is that Goddess Durga defeated the evil demon Mahishasura during the 10-day battle. And this 10th day of Dashain, called Vijaya Dashami, is the main day of the festival. It is during Dashami that elders put tika and jamara on the foreheads of the younger ones and bless them with long life and prosperity.
Dashain is a sacred festival where people unite to give and receive blessings. Growing up, my memories of Dashain are pristine and filled with joy. This is the time to prepare delicious cuisines. It is time to play cards and enjoy the camaraderie among our family members and relatives. It is also during this festival that people play swings and relish flying kites that merrily dot the skies. Dashain thus isn’t just about religious celebrations; it is about a cultural observance where feelings of solidarity are high. It gives the elders opportunities to bless the young ones and in doing so impart a lesson on love, respect and reverence. And all Nepalis are united with these traditions of Dashain. Thus this festival has been a landmark in Nepali history representing its rich culture.
However, this year's Dashain looks grim due to the ongoing crisis of coronavirus. The Nepal Government has requested its citizens to stay where they are and not travel to and fro for dashain. And yet people's mobility is high after months of lockdown. As a result, the number of infections is increasing among the Nepali community. People keep flouting rules by not wearing masks and mingling in crowds recklessly. How then will the nation fare during these times of festivities?
Throughout the world, the second waves of virus have affected the nations at an alarming scale. There is a fear of further increase in infections as winter approaches. Precariously, more and more people are experiencing a lapse of precaution. Initially, during the lockdown, people were hyper vigilant and alert. They were well aware about the ways to ward off the virus through measures such as a strong immunity, social distancing and rigorous hygiene. However, after ease of the months-long lockdown and further prohibitions, Nepalis are now tending to their lives as before. This could have disastrous effect on life even in the upcoming days. The public should instead adhere to precautions and guidelines in social situations. Thus it is wise to stay home and practise social distancing during this Dashain. It is more prudent to connect to our loved ones through the virtual media.
Nepalis' auspicious festival might feel different this year, but it still fills our heart with feelings of peace, gratitude and kindness. During this Dashain, let's pray for the health and wellbeing of the collective world. Happy Dashain!