Today, Hindu Nepalis across the United States celebrated Dashain, one of the most significant festivals in Nepali culture. This 15-day festival, also known as Bada Dashain or Vijaya Dashami, commemorates the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.
In New York, the Ridgewood Nepalese Society hosted traditional rituals at the Durga Temple and Nepali Cultural Center in Queens. The festivities began with Ghatasthapana, the ceremonial planting of Jamara (young barley shoots), symbolizing prosperity and nurtured throughout the festival.
Families gathered to receive tika and Jamara from their elders, a ritual signifying blessings for health, success, and good fortune. The red tika, made from a mixture of rice, vermillion, and yogurt, is applied to the forehead, while the yellowish-green Jamara is placed behind the ears or in the hair.
Dashain is not only a time for religious observance but also for joyous reunions and cultural celebrations. Homes are cleaned and decorated, new clothes are worn, and traditional delicacies like Sel Roti and Mutton Curry are prepared and shared among family and friends.
This year’s Dashain Tika was observed on Saturday, October 12, with the auspicious time for Vijayadashami in New York being 10:01 a.m. However, tika was offered throughout the day, allowing families to celebrate at their convenience.
The celebration of Dashain in the USA highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Nepali community and their efforts to preserve and share their traditions, even far from their homeland.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
