Dashain is an eagerly awaited time of the year for all Nepalis. It is the time of the year when friends and family get together to celebrate one of the biggest festivities in the country.

Everybody looks forward to receiving tika (a mixture of vermilion paste and rice grains), blessings and token money from their elders. My City’s Nasana Bajracharya talked to some celebrities to know what Dashain means for them and their plans for the Dashain holidays.

SAUGAT MALLA, ACTOR

Famous for his iconic role as Haku Kale in 2012 hit film ‘Loot’, Saugat Malla is one of the most talented and celebrated actors in the country. He made his debut in Nepali cinema with ‘Kagbeni’ in 2008 and has worked in films like ‘Kabaddi Kabaddi’, ‘Highway’, ‘Chhadke' and ‘Utsav’. Saugat is currently busy working for his new film ‘Jojo’. 

For me, Dashain is about receiving blessings from the elders and a time to get together with our loved ones.

This year, I will be in Kathmandu celebrating Dashain with my family and friends. I am planning an outgoing with my family and friends, but nothing has been decided yet.

Dashain celebration has changed because I am rather busy these days with my tight work schedule. I rarely get time for any recreation. Earlier, I used to visit many places for tika, but now I only visit close families.

Dashain memories are a rare thing in my case. But I do remember the time when we used to fly kites during our childhood. We don’t get much time to do so nowadays.

SWASTIMA KHADKA, ACTOR

Swastima Khadka began her acting career from the movie ‘Hostel Returns’ in 2015. She quickly rose to fame and is considered one of the most talented and beautiful actresses in the Nepali entertainment industry. She has also showcased her acting skills in music videos. One of her most recent projects was ‘Dui Rupaiya’ and she is also appearing in another flick ‘Chhakka Panja 2’. Swastima is currently busy with the promotion and marketing of the film.

For me, Dashain is about receiving tika and blessings from my elders. It is my time to meet my family members and spend time with them.

I like Dashain for its warm weather and pleasant vibe. The weather indicates that Dashain is here and the mood is different. 

This year I’m quite busy with the promotion of my new film and might need to travel for the same. 

Dashain celebration has changed because I am no longer involved in a nine-to-five kind of job. I don’t even get Saturdays off. Most of the time, even in Dashain, I am busy with shooting. So the excitement has faded, but not its importance.

Dashain memories are there to remind you of your silly days. When we were in school, we used to get very excited for the vacation. I remember the time when I used to eagerly wait to go shopping and buy new clothes.

ASTHA RAUT, SINGER

Astha Raut started her career with ‘Adhaar’ in 2012. The much talented singer has won many awards, including the Hits FM Music Award 2014 and Best POP Female Vocal Image Award 2014. She is currently busy recording for her new album ‘Adhhar Bhaag 2’, which she aims to finish by this month and release by the end of the year. She is also busy preparing for her charitable tour ‘Women in Concert’ for women empowerment in USA to be held in October.

For me, Dashain is Nepal’s biggest festival where different religious groups celebrate the festival in their own ways. Dashain is about blessings and a time to strengthen family bonding.

I like Dashain for its pleasant sunny weather. I like celebrating Dashain in my village with my family. As children, we used to go receive tika from every household and all of us used to compare the money we received from elders and complain about those who had given less money.

This year I did some shows in Dharan and Nawalaparasi where I sang few of my old songs and from my new album. I will be here for Dashain, but I’m leaving for US, for my tour.

Dashain celebration has changed after I lost my grandparents. I was very fond of them. It is still a festival and I will celebrate it, but it will never be the same again.

Dashain memories are a fun thing to remember as you grow old. When I was a little girl, I remember wearing a beautiful lehenga for Dashain. But one of my aunts had criticized my choice of clothes and said that I didn’t look good at all. I had thrown tantrums and refused to receive tika at all.

JYOTI PRAKASH BK, ARTIST

An artist by profession, Jyoti Prakash BK has been working in the field of art for the past 22 years. He is currently an assembly member at Nepal Academy of Fine Arts. He is also a lecturer and a freelance artist. He is currently busy working with a number of artworks that he has yet to finish.

For me, Dashain is about swings and memories related to that. It is about meeting new people and relatives to share our experiences and feelings.

I like Dashain for the positive vibes it brings. It is a time when good triumphs over the evil.

This year, Dashain is going to be a very busy time. I will be busy creating the art works; I think it will take most of my time. Dashain means holidays and it has given me time to focus on my work. 

Dashain celebration has changed as technology has affected people’s lives. Even the idea of gatherings has changed. Earlier, people felt the need to meet but now they have adapted individuality in their lives. 

Dashain memories are a window to the past. When I was in grade nine, I and a few other boys from my village had installed a lingey ping (swing made of bamboo) in our village for the first time. It was very special as it was the first time. Everybody was excited and was praising our work. I remember feeling like a celebrity.