Celebrating Vibrant Dashain at the Children’s Home

On 12th October, the Children’s Home came alive with the vibrant celebration of Vijaya Dashami, the most significant day of the Dashain festival. Dashain celebrated for fifteen days, is Nepal’s longest and most widely observed festival, deeply rooted in cultural and religious tradition. It honors the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. Dashain is a time for family reunions, festivities, and blessings, bringing joy and renewal to households across Nepal.

At the Children’s Home, the children, dressed in new clothes, lined up with excitement for the Tika ceremony. Ms. Saru, a mother to all the children, lovingly placed Tika- a sacred mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermillion- on their foreheads of the children and the staff. Along with the Tika, she gave them Jamara, the symbolic barley sprouts grown during the festival. In keeping with tradition, she also handed out money to each child, representing blessings and hope for future prosperity. The children’s face lit up with happiness as they received the Tika and blessings, a cherished moment in the celebration.