Dashain abroad: Nepalis celebrate in Turkey, Australia, Fiji and the UK

Nepalis living in Turkey, Australia, the UK and other countries held collective programs to celebrate Bada Dashain.

In Elbistan, Turkey, about 144 Nepalis took part in a Dashain program organized by the Turkey Elbistan Unity Society. The program, coordinated by Mansingh Nepali of Dang, was also attended by Turkish and Chinese citizens. Participants received tika and jamara from senior citizen Chiranjivi Pokharel of Butwal. Participants said gathering together felt like being with family.

In Sydney, Australia, Georges River Council organized a "Nepali Culture Connection: Dashain" program at Hurstville Library on October 17. It featured Nepali dishes, traditional tea, cultural performances and activities for children.

In the UK, the Nepali Cultural Centre UK held a virtual greetings-exchange program chaired by deputy coordinator Bhimlal Bhattarai. Storyteller Pandit Kuber Subedi said a person becomes good only after overcoming inner pride and anger. He stressed the importance of keeping children connected to their traditions and culture, and wished success to plans to establish a cultural centre within the next year. Guru Chiranjivi Dhakal called the initiative to build a cultural centre and temple in west London a matter of good fortune.

Nepali-origin citizens residing in Fiji also celebrated Dashain.