Upper Hutt, New Zealand-  For Nepalese people around the world, Vijaya Dashami (commonly known as Dashain) is more than just a festival- it is the heart of cultural identity, unity, and shared joy. Marked as one of the biggest celebrations in Nepal, this festival carries deep religious, spiritual, and social significance.

Traditionally, Vijaya Dashami honours the victory of good over evil, symbolised by Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. It is a time when families reunite, elders bless the younger generations with tika (a mix of yoghurt, rice, and vermilion placed on the forehead) and jamara (sacred barley grass), and communities come together with prayers, feasts, and festive gatherings.

For Nepalese families in New Zealand, the celebration of Vijaya Dashami carries a double meaning. While it connects them to their ancestral homeland, it also strengthens bonds within the diaspora community. In Upper Hutt, Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, and across Aotearoa, Nepalese communities gather to share meals, exchange blessings, and recreate the warmth of home even while living thousands of kilometres away.

“Vijaya Dashami reminds us of who we are,” says Dr. Ramil Adhikari, a Nepalese community representative in Upper Hutt. “It is about passing on traditions to our children while also celebrating the life we are building here in New Zealand. For us, it is a festival of belonging — to our roots and to our present home.”

Many local Nepalese associations and cultural groups organise community events during this time, with traditional music, dance, and food. Temples across New Zealand also welcome families for special prayers, ensuring the spirit of Dashain continues to thrive far from the Himalayan valleys.

The festival also symbolises hope, resilience, and gratitude. In a world facing rising costs, global uncertainty, and busy lifestyles, Vijaya Dashami offers a moment to pause, reconnect with family, and remind one another of the importance of togetherness.

For the Nepalese diaspora in New Zealand, celebrating Vijaya Dashami means carrying forward the essence of home- the blessings of elders, the laughter of children, and the strength of community. It is both a cultural anchor and a bridge, linking generations and uniting two worlds- Nepal and Aotearoa.

A “thank you” to Ramil Ahikari for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

04/10/25