Introduction
Festivals are an essential part of the Nepali culture, and while celebrating them away from home can sometimes feel bittersweet, it also presents a unique opportunity to bring people together. Here’s how we celebrate some of the most important festivals in the UK, keeping our traditions alive while embracing our new lives.
Dashain is the most significant Hindu festival celebrated by Nepali people. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and marks a time for family gatherings, prayers, and blessings. Even in the UK, Nepali families come together to celebrate in true style.
Celebrations in the UK: Many Nepali families gather at their homes, while some larger communities host events in halls or parks. The traditional Tika ceremony is a highlight, where elders bless younger family members with a red mark on their foreheads, symbolizing blessings and good fortune.
Traditional Foods: Expect to enjoy a variety of Nepalese delicacies such as sel roti (a fried rice doughnut), momo (dumplings), and khichadi (rice and lentils). These meals, though sometimes challenging to prepare away from home, are made with love and are a reminder of the warmth of Nepal.
Community Events: Larger community events are often organized, where people can enjoy food, music, and dance, and spend time with others who share their culture and heritage. This helps create a sense of belonging, even far from home.
Tihar, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, is the second most important festival for Nepali people. The festival spans five days, and each day is dedicated to honoring different animals, including dogs, cows, and crows. The last day, Bhai Tika, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Celebrations in the UK: On the first day, people light candles and oil lamps (known as diyas) around their homes to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Homes and streets in Nepali neighborhoods glow brightly with lights, adding warmth and color to the cold UK nights.
Music and Dance: Like Dashain, Tihar celebrations also include music, with people singing and dancing to traditional Deusi-Bhailo songs. It's a fun, interactive way for families and friends to enjoy the festival together.
Tihar Community in the UK: Larger Nepali communities often organize events in local halls where everyone can come together and celebrate in unison. It’s also a chance to meet other Nepalis who may be far away from their families.
Teej is a festival dedicated to women, celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm in Nepal. In the UK, Nepali women come together to honor the occasion with prayers, dances, and rituals.
Cultural Celebrations: Teej celebrations typically involve fasting, dressing in traditional red saris, and singing folk songs. The festival is a reminder of strength, unity, and resilience.
Community Gatherings: In many UK cities with a significant Nepali presence, women’s groups organize events that include cultural performances, meals, and lots of socializing.
While living in the UK might mean being far from home, these festivals allow the Nepalese community to stay connected to their roots. By continuing to celebrate together, we uphold the traditions that make us proud and share them with the world.
