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Festive season continues

This year, the festival season feels different. The recent political transformation triggered by the Gen Z protest still lingers in the air — fresh, raw, and unsettling. What began as a movement for change has reshaped not only the political landscape but also the country’s social and cultural fabric. The shift feels too big to comprehend all at once.

In today’s world, many turn to TikTok videos and YouTube Shorts to make sense of it all. The streets — and the screens — buzz with questions: Who caused it? Why now? How did it happen? Everyone seems to have an opinion, and social media has become a storm of conspiracy theories and emotional reactions.

I, too, got swept into that tide — overconsuming Twitter for nearly a week after the protests. Every swipe brought a new version of the same story. The headlines were sensational, the YouTube shorts repetitive, and the algorithms ensured I saw only what kept me scrolling.

Amid this political turbulence, Dashain quietly arrived — and quietly passed. Tihar will soon follow. Yet something was missing this year. The usual festive vibe, the anticipation, the joy — all felt subdued.

Continuous rain for days turned roads into rivers, halting travel and dampening celebrations. The sky, once alive with colorful kites, remained empty. Shopping streets were quiet. Even the Dashain Dhoon — that familiar rhythm of festivity — played softer than usual.

Still, the festival endured, though in a lower key. Families gathered, rituals continued, and blessings were exchanged — a reminder that tradition persists, even when the mood is muted.





Even Dashain had its political undertone this year. The Prime Minister, unlike predecessors, did not rush from temple to temple, and the President’s visit didn’t overshadow the devotees. The absence of the grand tika ceremony from the PM to the public marked a quiet departure from political theatrics.

Oddly enough, I found comfort in that. It was refreshing to see the festival free from excessive symbolism — to feel that religion and politics were not so tightly intertwined this time.

For me, this holiday season became a time for family and friends — simple, grounding, and meaningful. Between political discussions and festival gatherings, we visited temples, sought blessings from our parents, and enjoyed moments of warmth together.

And yes — Aila flowed generously at every get-together, as it always does.
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  1. BClaireB.October 16, 2025 at 5:50 AM

    Happy to read that things have settled and that you and your family were able to enjoy a peaceful and enjoyable holidays.

    ReplyDelete

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