"Dashain", a biggest festival in Nepal

Dashain is the biggest and longest festival in Nepal. People of all ages celebrate it with great passion. Imagine a time when the skies are clear and the weather is just perfect. During Dashain, families come together from far and wide. Homes are cleaned and decorated, new clothes are bought, and the aroma of special dishes fills the air. It's like Christmas or Thanksgiving in other parts of the world, but with its own unique traditions.

The festival lasts for 15 days. Each day have its own significance. But the most important days are the first, the seventh, eighth, ninth, and the tenth. The tenth day is also known as Vijaya Dashami. In this day, elders put a tika (a mix of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) on the foreheads of younger relatives to bless them with abundance and success. The red tika symbolizes the blood that ties the family together. Alongside, they also give 'Dakshina'. It is a small amount of money, which kids eagerly collect and spend on treats or toys.

The main special thing about Dashain is the sense of community and joy it brings. Kite flying is famous during Dashain. It is believed that kites send messages to the heavens to stop the rain. People also make swings. It is also called "Ping'' in Nepali language. These are swings made of bamboo. It is set up in villages and towns, where laughter rings out as people of all ages take turns. It is not just a festival. It is a time when life feels a bit more magical.