I was lucky to be in the capital of Nepal – Kathmandu – right in time for the two of the biggest festivals of the year. Dashain takes place at the beginning of October and Deepawali takes place at the end of October.

Dashain

Dashain is one of the most important Hindu Festivals and it lasts an incredible 15 days. While there was not really anything visible happening in the touristic area in Kathmandu (Thamel), it all changed when I started trekking the Annapurna Circuit. Locals had headed back to their homes in the villages and were enjoying time with their families.

Deepawali

Deepawali (Tihar) is a 5-day long Hindu festival and is also known as The Festival of Lights. The same festival is known in India as Diwali. Each day during Deepawali holds a different special significance. The first day is dedicated to cows and the second day to dogs. People cook and feed the animals rice and take good care of them. During the third day, lights and lamps are lit and fireworks are widely used. The fourth day is dedicated to the bond between a husband and a wife and the final day to love between siblings. As I got to experience in Kathmandu on the fourth day there were many street musicians around who were going from door to door, playing instruments and singing. On the next day groups of dancers came out and were dancing, performing and enjoying themselves in front of the businesses/homes.

There are many traditions and customs during both festivals. Learn more about Deepawali from here and here. Learn more about Dashain from here and here.

It was a pleasure to be around in Nepal during the festivities. A country which is poor in economic standards is rich in the heart. Everyone from young to old came to the streets, played some music and joined others in dancing. All of the homes and businesses decorated their houses with flowers and lights and made flower rangolis in front of their doorsteps. It was amazing to see the warmth, happiness, joyfulness and gratefulness for life from the peoples’ eyes. It really does not take much to be happy!

I hope I managed to capture some of these emotions in this short video. Enjoy!