The Embassy of Nepal in Colombo celebrated Bada Dashain 2083 (Vijaya Dashami 2026) with a traditional Tika and Jamara blessing ceremony on Wednesday, October 21, bringing together members of the Nepali community, Sri Lankan well-wishers, Indian nationals and other friends of Nepal along with their families.
The ceremony was held at the Embassy of Nepal in Colombo, where Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Nepal to Sri Lanka, Vijay Kumar Raut, offered Dashain Tika and Jamara blessings to the gathering. The event provided an opportunity for Nepali nationals living away from their homeland to observe one of Nepal’s most important festivals while sharing its cultural traditions with friends from diverse communities in Sri Lanka.
Dashain Spirit of Unity and Cultural Tradition
The celebration reflected the deep cultural and emotional significance of Dashain, which is traditionally associated with family reunions, blessings, prosperity and the victory of good over evil. The application of Tika and the presentation of Jamara, central elements of Vijaya Dashami celebrations, symbolised blessings, goodwill, happiness and hopes for prosperity in the year ahead.
For Nepalis living abroad, such celebrations also provide an important connection to their homeland, family traditions and cultural identity. The gathering in Colombo brought members of the Nepali community together in a festive atmosphere, helping preserve cultural practices while strengthening bonds among Nepalis and their friends in Sri Lanka.
Chargé d’Affaires Extends Dashain Greetings
Addressing the gathering, Chargé d’Affaires Vijay Kumar Raut extended warm greetings and best wishes to all Nepali nationals living in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, as well as Sri Lankan friends, members of the Indian community, and other well-wishers. Raut highlighted the emotional and cultural importance of Dashain, describing the festival as more than a religious and cultural occasion. He said Dashain connects people with their roots, families and traditions, adding that celebrating the festival together in Colombo allowed Nepalis living abroad to maintain a strong sense of belonging and unity despite being away from home.
Wishes for Peace, Prosperity and Good Health
On the occasion, Raut expressed his hope that Vijaya Dashami would bring happiness, peace, prosperity, good health and success to everyone. He also invoked the blessings of Goddess Durga, wishing that her blessings would provide people with the strength and confidence to overcome challenges and move forward. “Bada Dashain ko Mangalmaya Shubhkamana!” he said, extending traditional Dashain greetings and conveying his heartfelt wishes for an auspicious and prosperous festival.
Cultural Diplomacy Strengthens Nepal-Sri Lanka Bonds
The Dashain ceremony also underscored the role of cultural celebrations in promoting people-to-people relations and cultural diplomacy. By inviting Sri Lankan friends, members of the Indian community and other well-wishers to participate in the traditional ceremony, the Embassy provided a platform for sharing Nepal’s cultural heritage beyond the Nepali community.
The Embassy expressed its sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to making the celebration memorable. The event highlighted the longstanding bonds of friendship and goodwill between Nepal and Sri Lanka, while showcasing the spirit of togetherness that remains at the heart of Bada Dashain.
