Vijaya Dashami Celebration by the Nepalese Community

HOUSTON: Nepalese from the greater Houston area celebrated the 10 day festival of Dusshera at Taj Hall on Friday, October 11. The annual event was organized by the Nepalese Association of Houston (NAH). Dusshera, or “Dashain” as known in Nepali, is the greatest festival for Nepalese people that is celebrated for 10 days. Dashain commemorates a great victory of the gods over the wicked demons. One of the victory stories told is the Ramayan, where lord Ram was able to defeat Ravana, the fiendish king of demons, only when goddess Durga was evoked. In yet polupar story related to Dahain, goddess Durga herself slayed Mahisasur bringing an end to the terror spread by the demon Mahisasur.

According to Dr. Rupak Rauniar, the general secretary of Nepalese Association, “Dashain is celebrated with great rejoice, and goddess Durga is worshiped throughout in Nepal and abroad, as the divine mother goddess.” Dr Rauniar further elaborated as per the core mission of NAH, celebrating Dahain in Houston with various cultural programs and events help to preserve our tradition, culture, and belief. The cultural program for the evening included recital of Durga Stuti or prayer, poems, folk dance performances, traditional songs, and other program that was performed by young children and adults. The event also recognized young Nepalese children for their academic and extra-curricular achievements. The event was attended by over 300 guests.

President of the NAH, Madhukar Amatya commenced the program with Dashain Greetings. Delivering his welcome remarks, Amatya said that NAH was pleased to organize such cultural events in the city of Houston to exchange Dashain greetings and to wish good health, peace, happiness, and prosperity.  8 year old Shashank Shrestha from Clear Lake was recognized as the winner of children art competition during the event. Similarly, Samir Rawal was recognized for his invaluable contribution to NAH and Nepalese community in Houston.   The event was sponsored by Bank of America and other various small businesses owned or operated in Houston by Nepalese. Guests appreciated the lively environment in the hall, enjoyed Nepali dishes and danced to Nepali tunes. Foreign guests also danced with Nepali guests to enjoy Dashain festivity. Guests thanked the NAH for organizing such an enthusiastic and lively program to promote Nepali culture and solidarity among the people. The program lasted for about 6 hours.

To mark the 9th day of Dashain celebration, NAH also organized Maha-Navami puja on Sunday, October 13 at the Shri Krishna Pranami and Pashupatinath Temple located in the Richmond area. The event included Durga prayers led by the two priests of the temple, Nau (or Nine) Kumari (or Kanya) puja, Vishwokarma Puja, and the Garba dance. The temple is a joint collaboration between the Gujarati community of Pranami faith and the Nepalese community. Dinkar Amatya, President of the temple committee, stressed the importance preserving the rich religion, culture, and tradition of India and Nepal by organizing such events at the temple. During the event, both Nepalese and the Gujarati guests at the temple participated in each other’s ritual to celebrate the great holy day of Maha-Navami.