What Dashain asks of us this year
Summary
Dashain arrives amid flood damage, strained highways and concerns over health risks from heavy festival fare. The celebration still draws families together across communities, but the essay argues it should also foster shared purpose and social unity.
Key Points
- Dashain arrives this year in the shadow of floods that damaged roads and bridges, making travel home difficult and risky.
- The article highlights Dashain, Tihar, Chhath and Christmas as festivals that Nepal’s diverse communities often celebrate with one another.
- It warns that festival eating and drinking can worsen non-communicable disease risks and urges moderation, exercise and medical caution.
- The piece says Dashain’s meaning should be reinterpreted in a way that includes more people and strengthens social unity.
