This fall, the Conscious Impact team returned to Nepal to continue our work in producing bricks and rebuilding in the village of Takure. The post-monsoon season welcomed our homecoming with lots of work to do, people to reconnect with, and festivals to celebrate.
We had the opportunity to take part in the two largest and most celebrated festivals in Nepal: Dashain and Tihar. Our participation in these festivals signifies that we are not only here to rebuild structures that were lost, but to share the celebration of cultural tradition and community ties that continue to stand strong.
Dashain
The entire festival of Dashain lasts for 15 days, but the first day and last six days are the main celebration days.
Dashain celebrates the victory of good over evil and reminds us that truth and virtue will always prevail.
Animals are sacrificed and puja is offered to the Hindu goddess Durga, who defeated the evil Mahishasur.
Bamboo swings are built throughout villages in Nepal, and they're not just for children! Swinging during Dashain is meant to lift spirits and rejuvenate energy.
Even our tools receive honor during Dashain! Here, we venerate our brick press to bring good fortune and prosperity to our work.
Celebrating Dashain is focused on gathering with family and loved ones. People return home from throughout the country and the world to reconnect with one-another. We are so blessed to be able to celebrate this festival at our home in Nepal!
Tihar
Along with our Nepali community, our team celebrated Tihar - the festival of lights. This five-day festival celebrates several Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as humans and animals of religious importance.
The second day of Tihar, Kukur Tihar, honors the dog. Our camp dog, Kavita, looks quite festive with her tika and garland!
Rupak and Tharendra, two of our Training Center staff members, light candles to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, into our home.
Bhai Tika is the fifth and final day of Tihar. On this day, siblings give tika to one another, which is meant to strengthen their close relationships to one another.
Uddhav, one of the local staff members at the Training Center, receives the special multi-colored tika from his sisters. Sisters give tika to their brothers to ensure long life and prosperity, as well as thank them for their protection.
Bahilo and Deusi are the performances of traditional song and dance as girls and boys go house to house. Children are given treats, but everyone enjoys the music and dancing. We were very happy to host such a large crowd at our camp for this joyous celebration!