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दशैं

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34 views11 pages

दशैं

Uploaded by

hardikstha6000
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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दशैं

Name: Aarav Shrestha


Section: Ruby 9

Introduction of Dashain
Dashain is also known as Vijaya Dashami, is one of the
most significant festivals in Nepal and among Nepali
communities worldwide. Celebrated over 15 days, it usually
falls in September or October, marking the victory of the
goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This
festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

Dashain is a time for family reunions, as many people return to


their ancestral homes. The celebrations include various rituals,
such as the worship of Durga, the sacrificing of animals, and the
blessing of elders. Traditional food, cultural performances, and
festive gatherings are integral to the celebrations. The festival
culminates with the Tika ceremony, where elders give their
blessings to the younger generation, symbolizing the transfer of
blessings and prosperity for the coming year.
How is Dashain celebrated ?

( Receiving blessing the form of gifts by the elders during dashain. )

Dashain is one of the most significant Hindu festivals in Nepal,


celebrated by millions. It typically lasts for 15 days and signifies
the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon
Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Here’s
how Dashain is celebrated:

1. Preparation: In the weeks leading up to Dashain, families


clean and decorate their homes. New clothes and items are
often purchased.
2. Goddess Worship: The festival begins with the worship of
the goddess Durga. People set up altars and offer prayers,
flowers, and food.
3. Tika and Jamara: On the auspicious day of Tika (the last
day of Dashain), elders apply Tika (a mixture of rice and
vermilion) on the foreheads of younger family members,
4. accompanied by blessings. Jamara, or barley grass, is also
used in the rituals.
5. Family Gatherings: Dashain is a time for family reunions.
Many people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate
with relatives.
6. Feasting: Traditional foods are prepared, and families
enjoy festive meals together, often including meat, rice, and
other delicacies.
7. Cultural Activities: Various cultural programs, music, and
dance performances may take place. In some regions,
people also engage in sports and games.
8. Animal Sacrifice: In some communities, the sacrifice of
animals is a part of the celebration, reflecting the ancient
customs associated with the festival.
9. Visiting Temples: Many people visit temples dedicated to
the goddess Durga and other deities during the festival.

( Worshiping vehicles in dashain to insure safe journeys.)

Social problems caused due to


Dashain
While Dashain is a time of celebration and joy, it can also lead
to various social problems. Here are some of the issues that can
arise:
1. Social Inequality: The celebration often highlights
disparities between wealthier and poorer families, as those
with more resources can afford elaborate celebrations,
while others may struggle to participate fully.
2. Overconsumption: The festival can promote excessive
consumption of food, drink, and other goods, leading to
issues such as food waste and financial strain for families.
3. Gender Dynamics: In some cases, traditional roles during
Dashain can reinforce gender inequalities, with women
bearing the brunt of domestic responsibilities related to the
festival preparations.
4. Road Accidents: The rush of travel during the festival
period can lead to increased traffic and a higher incidence
of road accidents.
5. Social Pressure: There can be pressure to spend money on
gifts, clothes, and celebrations, which can lead to financial
stress for some families.
6. Exclusion: Some individuals and groups may feel excluded
from the celebrations due to cultural, religious, or social
differences, leading to feelings of isolation.

Environmental Impacts
Dashain can lead to various environmental problems, primarily
due to increased waste and resource use. Here are some of the
key issues and potential remedies:
Environmental Problems
1. Waste Generation: The festival generates a significant
amount of waste, including food waste, plastic decorations,
and discarded packaging.
2. Pollution from Animal Sacrifice: The practice of animal
sacrifice can result in blood and waste pollution if not
managed properly, impacting local water sources and
hygiene.
3. Deforestation: Increased demand for certain materials, like
bamboo and other natural decorations, can contribute to
deforestation and habitat loss.
4. Air Pollution: The use of firecrackers and other
pyrotechnics can lead to air pollution, contributing to
respiratory issues and environmental degradation.
5. Resource Overuse: The heightened demand for food,
especially meat, can strain local resources and contribute to
unsustainable agricultural practices.
Remedies
1. Waste Management Initiatives: Communities can
organize waste segregation and recycling programs.
Promoting composting of organic waste can help reduce
landfill burden.
2. Sustainable Practices: Encouraging the use of eco-friendly
decorations, such as reusable items or natural materials, can
lessen waste.
3. Responsible Sacrifice: Implementing guidelines for animal
sacrifice that promote humane practices and proper
disposal of waste can minimize pollution.
4. Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the
environmental impacts of their celebrations and promoting
alternatives, such as eco-friendly firecrackers or
community events without noise pollution, can raise
awareness.
5. Promoting Local and Sustainable Foods: Encouraging
the consumption of locally sourced and sustainable foods
can reduce the environmental impact associated with
transportation and overconsumption.
6. Tree Planting Drives: Organizing tree planting activities
during or after the festival can help counteract deforestation
and promote environmental restoration.
7. Community Engagement: Involving local communities in
planning and celebrating Dashain in more sustainable ways
fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Dashain Expenses
Dashain is the one of the biggest festivals of Nepal if not the
biggest festival of Nepal. Dashain is synonymous for big feasts,
buying new clothes and accessories, while fulfilling those needs
heavy expenses are unavoidable due to which employees all
over Nepal are usually given an additional month’s basic salary
as dashain allowance. So how much expenses are carried out
while celebrating dashain, expenses are higher or lower
according to the financial status of a family, personally speaking
my dashain expenses were somewhat like this:
Food and grocery: Rs.45,800
Clothes and accessories: Rs.40,000
Dakshina Money: Rs.10,000
Total: Rs.95,800

Economic aspect of Dashain


Employees are granted dashain allowance in the form of a
month’s basic salary in addition to the regular salary. Dashain is
a grand festival and people expend a lot of money to celebrate a
prosperous and exiciting dashain. The average salary of a Nepali
citizen is Rs.80,985 and an extra Rs.80,950 is added to the
overall basic income as Dashain allowance. Therefore the total
income received is Rs.1,61,970 in an average during dashain.
Dashain expenditures depend upon the economic status of a
household. On an average Rs.61,000 is spent during dashain
which is 37.66% of the total basic salary with festival allowance
which is reasonable. Expenses for any festival should be done
according to the income but it is also seen that excessive
expenses are being done without taking the financial condition
into consideration which can cause serious financial crisis.
In short, dashain is a festival where people shouldn’t go
overboard with the expenses and should be celebrated within
financial limitations.

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