Dashain is one of the greatest festivals for Nepali Hindus—one that marks the victory of good over evil. But it is not only a religious celebration; for many other Nepalis too, Dashain is a cultural festival of sorts. 

Dashain is particularly attractive to children, for whom it is a time to play with cousins, fly kites, ride on swings, wear new clothes and engage in other fun activities. It is the time of the year when the weather gets more pleasant, particularly in the hills. October skies in Kathmandu are supposed to be blue and clear. Kites, though no longer as common, thanks mainly to smartphones and video games, can still be seen in the air.

Although Dashain began officially with Ghatasthapana last Saturday, for many working people it will only start at the end of the business day today since government holidays begin on Sunday. The holidays are generally considered a time for renewing old ties as well as merry-making, with many adults playing cards, drinking alcohol and eating good food, particularly meat.

The burden of cooking and most other household chores generally falls on the women though. While the menfolk relax and make endless demands for delicacies, it is unfortunately the women in the household who usually have to supply them.

We have already written this week about the problems Dashain brings to most of those who travel to their ancestral homes due to stresses ranging from finding a bus ticket to bearing the risk of a hazardous journey. Two million people are expected to leave Kathmandu during Dashain. Such a mass exodus of people is never seen in the country at any other time of the year.

Dashain can also be a burden for the poor and the middleclass who have to deal with soaring market prices for almost all consumer goods. Although the Ministry of Supplies has opened some fair price shops across the country, they are far too few in number and the prices there are not much lower than in the regular market. 

In spite of these and other problems, the kind of festive mood that Dashain engenders is already palpable in the air. Compared to the last Dashain at least, when the effects of the earthquake and the unofficial Indian blockade were still raw, this Dashain is better.

We wish all Nepalis happy holidays and hope that they have plenty of fun. Moderation though, as wise men (and women) say, is probably a good thing. It is probably also a good idea for us to spare a thought or two on how we as individuals and as a society can do a better job at helping those in need, especially the ones affected by the earthquake, as we indulge in celebrations.