Dashain is a major festival celebrated in Nepal. It is celebrated for 15 days, making it the longest and most popular festival in Nepal. Dashain commemorates the victory of good over evil, symbolised by the triumph of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
The first day is “Ghatasthapana”, during which Jamara (barley seeds) are sown. The seventh day is known as “Phulpati” followed by the eighth day, “Kalaratri”. The ninth day is “Mahanavami”, and the tenth day is celebrated as “Dashain” or “Vijaya Dashami”. The festival concludes on the fifteenth day, known as “Purnima” (the night of the full moon).
As Gurkhas, we are very good at preserving our culture, whether the traditions are minor or major. We celebrated Dashain in grand fashion at the (Gurkha Company Catterick). A few days before Dashain, we began preparing the company lines. From the youngest recruit to the senior staff, everyone contributed. We proudly hung colourful flags and arranged marigold garlands around the entrance. The atmosphere changed instantly, it felt festive, warm, and deeply familiar. We enjoyed Nepali dishes including sel roti, chicken curry and Gurkha achar and shared stories of past Dashain events. Some of us sang folk songs, while others danced along.
The celebration did not stop at rituals and food. We also enjoyed cultural performances, lively dances, soulful singing, and even a few comedy acts by our numberies. A special dance performance by the Section Commanders from the Company, made the experience even more remarkable for all of us. The energy was electric, and for a moment, we forgot we were in a foreign land.
Celebrating Dashain in Catterick as recruits was more than just a festival, it was a powerful reminder of who we are, where we come from and how far we’ve come. Though we were far from our families, we found one another, and in that shared celebration, we proved that Dashain isn’t just about rituals, it’s about resilience, respect and the spirit of togetherness.
