The festival of Dashain is a fiesta of flavors. The ethnic diversity of Nepal entails a symphony of beautiful delicacies put together to enjoy with friends and family. In this article we shall explore the various flavors that are celebrated during Dashain
While most of us rejoice for nine days in the most auspicious festivity of Dashain, people of the Newa community partake in a unique cultural blend in a historic town. For ages, the post-harvest celebration has had its own significance and this Newar festival for the people of Khokana is parallel to the ideologies of Dashain, ‘Victory of good over evil.’
According to legends, it is believed that the mother of Lord Intra required a Parijat( a white flower) to perform a ritual. For which Lord Indra descended to earth in search of the flower. He disguised himself as a commoner and while trying to take the flower out of the lawn of a Jyapu. He caught Lord Indra and held him captive blaming him of trying to steal. Lord Indra was imprisoned and not allowed to go back to heaven.
Amongst the great celebrations of this valley, nothing beats the pomp and flair of Yenya Punhi. Commonly known as Indra Jatra- a name derived from the lore of Indra- the heaven king's visit to Nepal. This festival is larger than life, with symbolism and meaning going back thousands of years- neatly preserved by the Newars.
For an outsider to truly experience Mohni, s/he has to be invited by a Newar to their home. Over the years, due to its close celebratory proximity to Dashera, the grand festival of India, it was also considered Dashain- the Nepali rendition of Dashera. But, in reality, Mohni features a few similar elements brought by migrants from the south. Apart from this, the customs and traditions are completely different.