Vijaya Dashami: Celebrating Amidst Adversity

Vijaya Dashami, or Dashain, began in Nepal under challenging conditions due to landslides and floods. The Hindu festival involves rituals like Ghatasthapana and offering Jamara with tika. Celebrations extend for 15 days, though this year, festivities are affected by natural disasters, impacting both life and supply chains.

The Hindu festival of Vijaya Dashami, more commonly known as Dashain in Nepal, commenced on Thursday. The start coincided with devastating landslides and floods that have impacted the import of goods just before the festive season.

The festival is celebrated in diverse ways by Nepal's Hindu and Buddhist communities. It is regarded as a national festival. Rituals began with the sowing of barley seeds or Jamara, along with the Ghatasthapana ceremony where a metal vessel filled with water is placed beside it for blessings.

This year, the festivities have been overshadowed by heavy rains that caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in over 240 fatalities. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak urged authorities to stay vigilant as more rainfall is expected. Additionally, the transportation of goods from China has stalled, affecting the availability of festive commodities.

(With inputs from agencies.)