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Dashain is here and there’s a festive feel in the air. But people ApEx spoke to confessed that it’s not the same anymore. We asked three people how things have changed and what they miss the most and here’s what they had to say. 

Shristika Prajapati, 19

Dashain has always been my favorite festival and getting to spend time with my family is the best part. I miss my brother as he is abroad and he won’t be coming home. I believe Dashain isn’t what it used to be several years ago. It’s changed and people have tweaked the rituals to fit their schedules. I miss the traditional feel of the festival. Many people don’t go to temples and conduct elaborate pujas anymore. Rather, it’s become an excuse to party and have fun without partaking in rituals that actually matter. 

Kusum Rimal, 57

I’m a religious person who enjoys performing puja and spending time with my family. During Dashain, I miss my family even more. My daughters live away from home and they won’t be able to come back and join in on the festivities. Dashain has lost its charm because it’s not about being with your family and friends anymore. Many youngsters these days don’t know why we celebrate Dashain. The older generation must ensure we pass on our traditions and stories so that they aren’t lost over time. 

Bhim Bahadur Tamang, 79

Dashain isn’t about pujas and rituals as it once used to be. It’s more about food and parties and meeting relatives. I guess that is okay too. But I wish we gave more importance to traditions and didn’t let them fade away. I fear that in the future, people won’t even go to put tika and take blessings from their relatives as they will be too preoccupied with their lives. Since most families are scattered around the world, the tradition is already on the decline.

As Dashain approaches, excitement and anticipation fill the air across the Himalayan nation. Families are busy preparing, with around 60–70 percent planning to travel to their hometowns for the much-cherished festival.

Local markets are bustling with activity, transforming into vibrant hubs of celebration. Stalls overflow with bright new clothes—traditional sarees, daura suruwal, and festive accessories. Shoppers move energetically, selecting the perfect outfits for the auspicious days ahead.

Street vendors call out, showcasing an array of fresh produce and decorative items for the Dashain puja, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Friends and families chat animatedly, sharing plans and stories as they shop. Children giggle, trying on new clothes and picking out gifts for their elders.

However, the Nepal Rastra Bank’s distribution of old, clean notes instead of crisp new ones has led to some dissatisfaction among the public.

This vibrant scene captures the essence of Dashain—a time of togetherness, joy, and cultural pride. As preparations continue, the spirit of the festival shines brightly, reminding everyone of the joy that awaits.

Lead poisoning is caused by exposure to high levels of lead. Lead is most commonly found in houses built before 1978. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, cramps and hyperactivity. Lead poisoning can be diagnosed through a blood lead test. Treatment includes finding and removing the source of the lead to prevent further exposure.

Lead can be found in all parts of our environment—the air, the soil, the water and even inside our homes. Much of our exposure comes from human activities, including the use of fossil fuels like past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities and past use of lead-based paint in homes. We should wash fruits and vegetables before eating to clean off any lead dust that may have settled on the food and remove the outer leaves of leafy green vegetables. Lead poisoning happens when your child is affected by high levels of lead exposure. It is usually caused by eating or drinking (ingesting) lead, but touching or breathing in the toxic metal can also cause it. The detectable amount of lead is found in your child's blood.

Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust are the most common sources of lead poisoning. Paint containing lead was not banned in the United States until 1978. Homes built before 1978 have a good chance of having lead-based paint, which can chip, peel or flake.

Lead poisoning, also known as plumbism and saturnism, is a type of metal poisoning caused by lead in the body.

There is no antidote for lead. Treatment of lead poisoning consists of removal from the source of exposure. Chelation therapy should be considered for treatment of severe symptoms or markedly elevated blood lead levels.

Some effects

Lead exposure can cause high blood pressure and brain, kidney and reproductive health issues in adults. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, stomach cramps, constipation, muscle/joint pain, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability and loss of sex drive. Certain candy ingredients such as chili powder and tamarind may be a source of lead exposure. Lead can get into the candy when drying, storing and grinding the ingredients is done improperly. Ink from plastic or paper candy wrappers may also contain lead that leaches or seeps into the imported candy. It damages the brain and nervous system and slows growth and development. It also affects learning and behavior problems as well as hearing and speech problems.

Lead is soft and malleable, and also has a relatively low melting point. When freshly cut, lead is a shiny gray with a hint of blue. It tarnishes to a dull gray color when exposed to air.

Management and treatment

Is lead poisoning curable?

The effects of lead poisoning aren’t reversible. But you can reduce blood lead levels and prevent further exposure by finding and removing the sources of lead from your child’s home or environment.

If your child’s blood lead levels are very high, your child’s healthcare provider may treat them with a medication called a chelating agent. This medicine binds the lead in your child’s blood and makes it easier for their body to get rid of it.

Your child’s healthcare provider may also recommend whole-bowel irrigation. With this procedure, your child’s healthcare provider gives your child a special solution called polyethylene glycol by mouth or through a stomach tube to wash out the contents of your child’s stomach and intestines. Bowel irrigation is aimed at preventing further lead absorption if there are lead paint chips identified on an X-ray of your child’s belly. 

Prevention

Ways to reduce your child’s risk of lead poisoning

Lead poisoning is preventable. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about ways you can prevent lead poisoning. Some ways you can help prevent lead poisoning include:

• Make sure your child eats healthy foods that are high in iron, calcium and vitamin C, which help protect against lead poisoning
• If you live in a house or apartment built before 1978, talk to your state or local health department about having your home’s paint and dust tested for lead
• If you rent your home, talk to your landlord about peeling and flaking paint. Call the health department if the paint isn’t safely repaired
• Wash your child’s hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys frequently
• Always wash your hands before eating
• Always wipe your feet before entering the house, and leave your shoes at the door
• Wipe floors and other surfaces with a damp mop or cloth regularly
• If you have lead pipes, stagnant water or hot water can leach lead into your tap water. Let your faucet run cold water for one minute before using it for drinking, cooking or making baby formula
• Don’t try to remove lead-based paint yourself
• Avoid any home remedies that contain lead

Key facts

• Exposure to lead can affect multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children and women of child-bearing age
• Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it can accumulate over time. Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood
• Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus
• There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects
• Lead exposure is preventable

As Dashain approaches, Nepal is filled with the aromas of spices, roasted meats, and the warmth of family gatherings. For me, memories of childhood in Kathmandu come flooding back—flying kites on rooftops, the colorful creations dancing in the sky, and the sound of laughter all around. Kite-flying was more than a game. It was a way to bond with family and friends, celebrating freedom and joy.

During breaks from kite battles, we’d enjoy simple, yet unforgettable snacks made by our mothers. The cool, crisp weather of the season added to the perfect festive atmosphere. Now, as a chef, these memories inspire me to craft a Dashain feast that embodies togetherness, tradition, and flavor, especially for meat lovers in the family.

A feast rooted in tradition

Dashain is known for its hearty meat dishes, symbolizing abundance and unity. Growing up, goat pakku (slow-cooked meat), mutton curry, and sukuti (dried meat) were festival staples. This year, I aim to celebrate those traditional flavors while introducing a few new dishes from different Nepali communities. My goal is to bring fresh ideas to the table, allowing everyone to experience something new while staying rooted in tradition.

Dashain is not just about food. It’s about creating memories and bonding over shared meals. By showcasing dishes from various communities, we can celebrate our rich Nepali culinary heritage while bringing different traditions together.

Rayo ko saag with goat fat: A Dharane delight

One dish I’m excited to serve this year is ‘rayo ko saag’ (mustard greens) cooked with fatty goat meat. Popular in eastern Nepal, especially in Dharan, this dish combines tender, fatty goat meat with slightly bitter mustard greens. The goat fat adds a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality, creating a comforting dish perfect for Dashain. It’s simple yet deeply satisfying.

Tite wachipa: A bold Kirat dish

For those eager to try something new, I recommend ‘tite wachipa’, a traditional dish from the Kirat community. Made with chicken and a bitter herb, wachipa offers a unique blend of bitterness and spice. It’s not commonly found on Dashain tables, but it’s perfect for pre-festival meals. The bitter herb is said to cleanse the palate, making wachipa an intriguing addition to a meat-heavy feast.

Pakku and taas: A tasty duo

Goat pakku is a classic Dashain dish, but why not mix things up with taas from Chitwan? Taas is stir-fried mutton, marinated and cooked until crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. Served with bhuja  (puffed rice), it’s a delicious alternative to traditional pakku. By rotating between pakku and taas, you can keep things fresh while offering familiar flavors.

Goat katia: A Mithila specialty

Another dish I’d love to introduce is goat katia, a spicy stew from the Mithila community. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is packed with layers of flavor as the spices infuse the meat. Paired with fresh roti or rice, goat katia is perfect for a festive gathering. It’s simple yet sophisticated, leaving your family talking about it long after the meal is over.

Sekuwa: A grilled favorite

No Dashain feast is complete without sekuwa, Nepal’s famous grilled meat. Whether made from goat, chicken, or buffalo, sekuwa’s smoky, spiced flavor is synonymous with celebration. This year, I plan to dedicate one day just for sekuwa, marinated in Nepali spices, grilled to perfection, and served with achar and salad. Its simplicity allows the meat’s flavor to shine, making it a must-have for any festive meal.

Haku choila: A Newari classic

Another dish perfect for Dashain is haku choila, a Newari-style grilled buffalo meat. Seasoned with mustard oil, garlic, and chili, this smoky, bold-flavored dish is a favorite for meat lovers. Paired with traditional ayla (Newari rice wine), haku choila adds an exciting element to the pre-festival celebrations.

Chicken roast: A dashain tradition

No Dashain feels complete without a festive chicken roast. This dish, reminiscent of grand family gatherings, features chicken marinated in spices and slow-roasted until crispy and tender. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the table. A well-cooked chicken roast adds a touch of elegance and warmth to any Dashain meal.

Pulau with roast lamb or chicken

This year, I’m introducing a new twist on tradition by serving pulau, a spiced rice dish, topped with either roast lamb or chicken. Pulau brings a sense of occasion to the table, reminding me of grand wedding feasts. Paired with khutti (bone broth) and timmur and tomato achar, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish that brings a festive spirit to Dashain.

As we prepare for Dashain 2024, let’s make it a celebration to remember with a feast of mouth-watering, spicy, tangy dishes that will leave a lasting impression. Let’s celebrate not just with food but with memories that warm the heart and soul, bringing family and friends closer together during this special time.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef