Nepalis in US celebrate Dashain (photos)

Washington, October 13 — Nepalis residing in various states across the U.S. celebrated Dashain by receiving tika and blessings from elders. Due to time differences in some states, the process of receiving tika is still ongoing.

This year, the holiday coincided with the tika day, making it easier for the Nepali community. Many who didn’t have time off work managed to receive tika in the evening after returning from their jobs. With Dashain falling on a Saturday, the community was particularly joyful, embracing their culture and traditions. Nepali organizations and temples in the U.S. facilitated the distribution of jamara for the celebrations.

Numerous temples have been established across various states. Communities engaged in rituals and visited temples, with the International Calendar Determination Committee releasing auspicious times for tika in 32 countries, including Nepal. Many followed these timings, with the auspicious moments for October 12 listed as 10:01 AM in New York, 10:05 AM in Texas, 9:55 AM in Washington D.C., and 9:39 AM in California.

As multi-generational families become more common in the U.S., the Nepali community has received tika, jamara, and prasad from their elders, including grandparents, parents, and priests, blessing them with prosperity and longevity.