Blog Details

Australia

• 15/01/2026

Dashain & Tihar Away from Home: Keeping the Himalayan Spirit Alive in Australia

Celebrating Dashain and Tihar in Australia is a bittersweet experience for many in the Nepalese and Bhutanese community. While we miss the crisp autumn air of the Himalayas and the physical presence of our extended families, being "away from home" has sparked a new way of celebrating—one that strengthens our local community ties and preserves our rich heritage on foreign soil. At Girish Event & Entertainment, we believe that home isn't just a place; it’s the traditions we carry with us.

The Challenge of Distance

In Nepal or Bhutan, the festivals are everywhere—the schools close, the streets are decorated, and the sound of the malshree dhun fills the air. In Australia, the challenge is real: balancing a busy work or study schedule with the desire to perform rituals like Jamara or Bhai Tika. However, the distance often makes these traditions even more precious. We see families gathering in suburban backyards in Adelaide or Sydney, flying in elders from Nepal just for the "Tika," and using video calls to bridge the gap during the auspicious hours.

Adapting Traditions to the Southern Hemisphere

While the season is different—spring instead of autumn—the heart of the festival remains the same. Families still plant Jamara in their apartments, and the hunt for the perfect goat for the Dashain feast becomes a major community mission! For Tihar, the "Festival of Lights," LED strips and candles transform Australian porches into glowing tributes to Goddess Laxmi. The Deusi-Bhailo tradition has also evolved; instead of door-to-door caroling, many now gather at community halls or organized events to sing, dance, and keep the folklore alive for the younger generation.

The Role of Community Events

This is where organizations like Girish Event come in. We understand that for many international students and young professionals, celebrating alone can feel lonely. That is why we organize concerts, movie screenings, and cultural nights during the festive season. Whether it’s watching a blockbuster Nepali movie with a theater full of fellow countrymen or dancing to a live band from home, these events provide the "atmosphere" that is often missing when you are 10,000 kilometers away. It’s about creating a "home away from home" where you can wear your finest Daura Suruwal or Gunyo Cholo and feel completely at ease.

Tips for Celebrating in Australia

• Plan Ahead: Mark the festival dates in your calendar early and request leave from work to ensure you can celebrate without stress.

• Host a Potluck: If you can’t go home, bring home to you! Invite friends who are also away from their families for a traditional Sel Roti and mutton curry feast.

• Stay Connected: Use technology to perform "Virtual Tika" with your parents. It’s not the same as being there, but the blessings are just as powerful.

• Attend Local Events: Check out the upcoming screenings and community gatherings on our Events Page to celebrate with the wider community.

Dashain and Tihar are reminders of our roots and the resilience of our culture. No matter how far we travel, the spirit of the Ping (traditional swing) and the glow of the Diyo stay with us. Happy Dashain and Tihar to our entire Australian-Nepalese family!