Dashain is right around the corner. The glimmer and glamour in city junctions and marketplaces indicate the enthusiasm among the general public. The festival has garnered a reputation for providing the populace with an array of engaging activities, by bringing the entire country together, regardless of the race and religion, to celebrate the festival of togetherness. Celebrities are also currently engaged in preparing for the annual celebration.
My City’s Aditya Neupane and Rejina Basnet talked with some celebs to find out about their preparation for Dashain.
Astha Raut, Singer
Dashain for you
For me, Dashain is a festival which brings the entire family together.
How do you celebrate Dashain?
Dashain used to be better when my grandparents were with me. Now, they are not with me anymore. So, nothing feels better. The charm of Dashain has gone along with them. Also, my schedules are very tight. So this year, I look forward to managing time to provide company to my mom.
Preparation for this Dashain
I have received proposals from five shows for Dashain. I won’t be able to perform in all, but I’ll try to cover at least three. After the gigs, I am looking to returning home to enjoy with the family.
The best and worst part of Dashain
I think family gatherings and playing cards with them are the best part of Dashain. However, I don’t like people scarifying animal in the name of religion.
Most memorable incident related to Dashain
Celebrating Dashain with my grandparents has been the most memorable part of my life. I used to visit our ancestral home at Dolkha and compete with my cousins in collecting money.
Budget for Dashain shopping
Things have changed; I don’t do Dashain shopping.
Benisha Hamal, Actor
Dashain for you
Dashain is the best time to interact with distant relatives. These interactions let you know what’s going on in their lives.
Decoding Nepali Celebrities’ New-found love for politics
How do you celebrate Dashain?
I celebrate Dashain in our ancestral home in Chitwan, by putting tika and taking blessings from the elders.
Preparation for this Dashain
I won’t be celebrating the festival this year due to unfavorable circumstances. However, I am planning to go to Mumbai for vacation during Dashain.
The best and worst part of Dashain
The opportunity that the festival provides to spend time with family is the best part of Dashain. Gambling and unnecessary spending are the worst parts of the festival.
Most memorable incident related to Dashain
When I was younger, my parents had constructed a swing in the front yard of our ancestral house. I fell from the swing, taking my cousin with me. That’s why I always check the string of the swing before getting on them.
Budget for Dashain shopping
Nowadays I don’t do Dashain shopping because I have everything that I need. However, for tika, I buy a set of fresh traditional clothes.
Deeya Maskey, Actress
Dashain for you
I take Dashain as a big vacation after a long exhaustive year. It’s the time of the year when I can enjoy without being worried.
How do you celebrate Dashain?
I celebrate the festival like any normal person would. I don’t consider myself religious. However, I receive tika and blessings from my elders.
Preparation for this Dashain
I haven’t done that yet.
The best and worst part of Dashain
I think the thing that I enjoy the most about Dashain is the lovely weather and the family gatherings. However, I don’t like the practice of animal sacrifices.
Most memorable incident related to Dashain
I grew up in a hostel. So, as Dashain approached, I used to get a huge urge to run home every year.
Manoj Gajurel, comedian
Dashain for you
Dashain is the day to remember the victory of good over evil. It is also the time when the entire family comes together.
How do you celebrate Dashain?
Unlike the past 15 years, this year, I am planning to celebrate Dashain in Nepal. I’m eager to put tika from the hands of my mother and get her blessings.
Preparation for this Dashain
I haven’t precisely planned anything for Dashain.
The best and worst part of Dashain
I love how naturally beautiful the weather is during Dashain. It is an ideal time to get together with your distant relatives. I dislike gambling and drinking in the name of festival.
Most memorable incident related to Dashain
As a kid, when I started understanding the value of money, I used to rush to the washroom to check my envelope. For me, it was more exciting than eating.
Budget for Dashain shopping
I have not thought about it yet. I will allocate the budget according to the need.
Dhiraj Rai, singer
Dashain for you
Dashain to me is a festival of protecting our culture of respecting the elders and loving the juniors.
How do you celebrate Dashain?
When I hear the word ‘Dashain’, the first thing that pops into my mind is flying kites. I prefer going out with my friends to fly kites and going on vacation with my family. During Dashain, I am usually busy with concerts and performances.
The best and worst part of Dashain
The best part of this festival is the environment. I like the sense of togetherness the most. In recent times, the culture of showing off has increased. It has led the people to take loans to celebrate the festival.
Preparation for this Dashain
I’m planning to visit Chitwan with my entire family for vacation.
Most memorable incident related to Dashain
When I was young, I used to fly kites from around Tudikhel the entire day. One thing I can never forget is the time I fell from the balcony while flying a kite.
Budget for Dashain shopping
Around Rs 100,000.
Jyotsna yogi, Model
Dashain for you
Dashain for me is a sweet excuse to give all my time to my beloved.
How do you celebrate Dashain?
I consider Dashain as the cheat month. So, I celebrate by eating everything my family makes and not care about my diet.
Preparation for this Dashain
Nothing special; I’ll be celebrating it just like I used to.
The best and worst part of Dashain
Everybody gets off their work, and schools/colleges. It gives you the opportunity to meet everybody you love.
The worst part about Dashain is animal sacrifices. It makes me feel guilty.
Most memorable incident related to Dashain
In my childhood days, my entire family used to go to my dad’s village. Those memories were like a happy vacation incident for me.
Budget for Dashain shopping
I don’t have any preference over what I wear, but I will be shopping for my family. Not buying the usual, but will make it a surprise.
