We take pleasure in celebrating Dashain not because we are Hindus but because it is being observed from time immemorial. For most of us Dashain brings happiness, joy and peace? Yet, some argue about the productive aspect of this festival. It is believed that culture is a result of necessity. There might be some logic that explains the necessity of celebrating Dashain. Viewed from Marxist ideology, the festival is merely a symbol of feudalistic society. However, this notion more or less may hint at a hidden reality. Dashain has nothing to offer to poor families which form a large portion of the country. It rather appears as a perilous hurricane, much more powerful and disastrous than the tsunami, Katrina and Rita. A popular adage reads: “Dashain comes playing dholak ( musical instrument) and goes away leaving debts” (aayo Dashain dholak bajai, gayo Dashain rin bokai). This might be a cause that transforms Dashain into a dasha (misfortune).

It is not that Dashain is all pleasant for those who have immense wealth and power. For them Dashain is an occasion for show off. But they are in a position to celebrate Dashain any time of the year. Then the question arises for whom does Dashain matter the most?

As a matter of fact, for those fortunate middle class members who earn and are able to save a small amount by working throughout the year, Dashain may not and shouldn’t be burdensome. The middle class people are always there to taste the delights of Dashain. The festival perhaps shows its ugly side — a completely unproductive show in the name of festivals. They are the one’s who encourage the one-up-man show.

Let’s not talk about the killing of innocent animals. This, no doubt, is a nasty joke!

The country suffers from economic, political and cultural bottlenecks. Prosperity can come only after these hurdles are cleared. The way Dashain is celebrated is objectionable. After all Dashain or Vijaya Dashami literally means victory of good over evil. So real Dashain can only be celebrated if we become successful in overcoming the currently prevailing socio-economic and political ills. Only then will Dashain come as a true Dashain for each one of us.