Warm rays of the sun infiltrate through intermittent cloudscapes and kite-flying breezes come into the first chills of winter as most of Nepal’s Hindus prepare for Dashain, the country’s longest and most auspicious festival, which is connected with history, mythology and culture. This 15-day festival takes place in the month of Asoj as per the lunar calendar and Goddess Durga gets revered in our households for the entire 15 days of waxing moon. Besides, families relentlessly open up their hearts, and wallets, to the fullest. Not to forget the novelty of wardrobe that flaunts one’s involvement in this occasion of annual merrymaking.
Given the victory of good over evil, this festival is celebrated with much grandeur and as much as you deny it, you secretly do admit to have gone for clothes and accessories to the market. Some of us have neatly stacked that one piece of clothing as ‘Dashain Ko Luga’ for a visit to our relatives.
Moreover, the shopping spree is not confined merely to clothes, but the latest smart phones to automobiles or even holiday packages—there is always something to amuse you for the value you are willing to pay. And if you know how the whole fete dawns on the valley, you probably know the people are enticed with advertisements and schemes on almost all the items and we all know the temptations of cracking a bountiful raffle, don’t we? Possibly UHD television or a set-top box that guarantees deluxe picture quality, these schemes make rounds on our televisions incessantly in a loop until we find ourselves guilty of humming their theme songs!
Despite the festival stretching to 15 days, we can always feel its importance much before its arrival in all the surrounding neon signs that read ‘stock clearance sale’ and ‘new arrivals’. The business avenues are seen trying out every scheme possible, so much so that sometimes they go overboard by announcing funny offers, one being a live goat that the people expect us to relish during Dashain. Shops of the valley have alluring hoarding boards hung on them and on the pavement lies an array of articles like cutleries and powdered colours that look like the rainbow dripping from the sides of horizon, proving the valley to be a colourful oasis in the midst of fluctuating weather. All in all, making the streets look busier than ever where one needs not voluntarily step ahead but in turn is propelled forwards by the jostling of the abundant populace in a hurry to rummage through carts for cheapest prices.
For the budget consumers, it is always important to renounce extravagant shopping and resort to sales at local markets. A religious purpose resides at the core of this festival, for which the traditional clothes are worth spending on. The subtle amalgamation of contemporary and traditional styles is inherited in kurthis or tops that each of the shop avails. To all the ladies, festivals do not always mean red. One can experiment with different tones such as pastel colours or solid yellows for a change; go for light prints rather than heavy embroidery. As for the gentlemen, opt for natural ethnic wears and style it with a statement accessory such as a watch or a nice pair of cufflinks or shades.
You can hardly find any space to stand up in New Road, a hub of clothing and other materials. In case you are looking for a slightly different market, explore the streets of Naxal, Bouddha and Lazimpat. Then, there is also the virtual world that has picked up great response. The world of online shopping has boomed very well in Nepal, almost overshadowing the conventional way of shopping. Try the online shops that provide unmatched clothing options; some even proclaim to have branded wears shipped from Hong Kong and UK.
If we are to heed what the celebs have to say for this Dashain, try Karuna Natural Wears for natural fibres and minimally toned colours. As recommended by the supermodel-cum-actor of Nepal, Prasant Tamrakar, Karuna Natural Wears has hand-dyed clothes without the chemical infestation that are soft on your skin and summer-friendly. Another supermodel of Nepal, Paramita RL Rana, suggests the clothing stores such as Posh, DS and Lane 88 around Durbarmarg.
When asked about her Dashain plans, the CNN hero Pushpa Basnet told us that she and her children would go on sightseeing and enjoy delicious food at home. She also added that on the main day of Tika, she would take her children to her parents’ house to put on tika and jamara so that the children would not miss out the typical essence of Dashain.
We cannot ignore the fact that we Nepalis, regardless of the economic constraints, loosen up on our pockets just for the sake of our pride. Spending lavishly on this joyous festival has become an indispensable part of our culture. For a comparatively smaller group, it is an annual occasion to splurge; but for the majority, it is merely a compulsion not to lose their social status. Whatever it is, do not forget to be mindful of the price tags, but be generous in sharing love. Dote on your loved ones with Dashain gifts from local shops that dot the areas of Ason, Patan or maybe your own community–you do not know what these shops might have in store for you. So, put on your hunting gloves and make your Dashain happening and glorious. Although it may be a hustle, it’s worth all the trouble.
