Alumni from the program “Nepali School for Children” sang the Nepali National Anthem, “Saiyau Thunga” as well as “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open the event. (Photo by Yugesh Iwaram)
The biggest festival in Nepal, called Dashai, began its 15-day celebration with a festive event at the Shoreline Conference Center on Oct. 5. Guests included Mayor Mike McGinn, Deputy Mayor Darryl Smith, Mr. Habib Habib, cochair of the Washington State and India Trade Relations Action Committee (WASITRAC), and Debadutta Dash, cochair of WASITRAC and president of ACRS.
Dashain is the celebration of good over evil, says Mohan Gurung, president of the Nepal Seattle Society. Traditionally celebrated as the victory of gods over demons, Dashain’s deeper meaning emphasizes the pursuit of honesty and respect, and also causing no harm to others.
In Seattle and around the world, Nepalese are gathering with family, visiting (and receiving blessings from) elders, enjoying meals, wearing beautiful dresses, singing and dancing and keeping their culture alive to pass along to the next generation, said Mr. Gurung. (end)