Celebrations In The Autumn
As the monsoons cease,he skies clear up-more blue than grey. The rolling hills and imposing mountains which surround the velly thatuntil now remained coulded over by over cast skies become visible once agian. The air is crisper. Birds perch atop windowsills as gold yellow leaves float down from tall skeletal trees to the ground. Children swarm the streets, steering their kites or running after one that's been cut off and now sways in all directions as it glides down in to the hands of one lucky child.

Autumn is here and it's quite a sight. Nepali people have more reason perhaps to rejoice the arrival of autumn than any other. The hindu festivals of Dashin and Tihar lie in this season and withit, the country gets basked in a celebratory mood. Dashin is a festival that commemorates the victory of good over evil. Starting of with Gata Sthapana when the seeds of 'jamara' are planted, the initial days of the ten day festival mark the battle between good and evil.
The latter days mark first, the victory of the good forces and secondly a round of celebrations for the same. Of the ten day long celebration , a grand demonstration in the Tundikhel grounds in Kathmandu which was originally observed by Nepali President and Priminister marks Fulpati.Many other cities in Nepal also celebrate as a same day Fulpati. On Tika 'Dashami' the final day of Dashin, elders of family put tika made of red vermilion, rice grains, milk curd and water on the foreheads of younger members of the family.
They also give the Dachhina (Money) and jamara which is planted on the first day. This act represents the elders blessing the younger ones for good health and prosperity. Tihar on the other hand s a celebration of life. Besides other rituals, the festival comprises of a day to worship Laxmi the hindu goddess of prosperity, Bhai tika a day to celebrate the special relation between a brother and sister and Mha Puja a ritual where people worship their own selves.
Both Celebrations are popular for consumption of copious amounts of home made liquor called Aela in Newari, a variety of tradtional dishes and gambling. Gambling in the from of verious card games as well as 'Langur Burja, a traditional board gameplayed by rolling six dices are very popular amongst all Nepalese during this seasons.
There is no getting away from kites either. Terraces teem with kiteenthusiasts, both old and young, as they try tocut off the strings attached to other kites. The festive moods Like the kites soar up in the wide expense of the clear blue sky.