Bada Dashain: A Celebration of Blessings, Family and National Unity

Bada Dashain holds deep significance in Nepal’s cultural life. On its main day, senior family members traditionally apply tika and jamara to younger relatives, offer blessings and give dakshina. Families prepare meals according to their preferences and means, while relatives gather to share their joys and hardships. The occasion also brings family members who live far apart back together.

Tika customs vary among communities and families. Many people make red tika by mixing rice grains with yogurt and red pigment, while some apply white tika made with rice grains and yogurt. These differences do not diminish the importance of Bada Dashain. Rather, they reflect the range of cultural traditions and beliefs within Nepali society. Respecting tradition means embracing this diversity, not forcing it into a single form.

The joy of Bada Dashain extends beyond worship and family gatherings. In villages and neighborhoods, people play on swings, fly kites and celebrate together across generations. These customs bring communities together, connect younger generations with long-standing traditions and create shared memories.

The deeper meaning of Bada Dashain, however, lies beyond food, gifts or new clothes. It is a time to renew relationships, ease misunderstandings and show concern for one another. Reconnecting with distant relatives, reducing divisions within families and extending goodwill to neighbors can make the occasion more meaningful. For families facing financial hardship, extravagant spending and social pressure can turn the celebration into a burden. The joy of the festival should not become a competition in spending. Celebrating within one’s means and sharing affection, effort and support are closer to its spirit.

Bada Dashain offers an opportunity to strengthen unity, fraternity and trust among Nepalis. Such unity grows through respect for different beliefs, languages, cultures and ways of life. Pressuring or excluding anyone in the name of tradition weakens the message of the celebration. Along with tika and jamara, the occasion should also be a time to share mutual respect, tolerance and goodwill.

May Bada Dashain inspire us to leave negativity behind and move forward with hope and compassion. When we strengthen family ties and build trust, cooperation and warmth in society, the meaning of this celebration reaches far beyond the home. These human and cultural values make Bada Dashain an unforgettable part of Nepali life.

On the auspicious occasion of Bada Dashain, Dragon Media extends its heartfelt wishes to all Nepalis for happiness, peace, prosperity and good health.