Dashain Festival

On 22 October 2023 members of the Nepalese Community come together at Old St Johns Hall to celebrate Dashain.

“Dashain is one of the most important festival of our community. It is the festival where our family and friends unite together and celebrate with lots of foods, flying kites, playing swing and receive blessing from elders. As we have migrated to a foreign country, this event provided us with a common platform to come together and feel home away from home.”

“This festival signifies the victory of good over evil. Also to celebrate this victory, we take tika and jamara from elders. This is the time of the year when family who have not met for years unite together and celebrate. This festival brings families together”

“Shared Communities provided continuous support throughout the event planning. This includes and is not limited to assistance with finding the hall to organise the event, financial support, brainstorming, etc”

“As we are far from our country, our family and community in this foreign land, this event brings all the Nepalese in Nelson together. During this festival, the young generation who are brought up in this country, gets an oppportunity to identify their roots, understand their family values. This encourages everyone in the community to continue preserving and promoting our culture and traditions.” Roji Pradhananga

Attendance: 90

Photography - Kat Beyle www.wiphala.co.nz