On Oct. 1, Nepali students celebrated Dashain at University United Methodist Church. Students gathered for food, music and traditions that brought a sense of home to international students while studying abroad. The event was hosted by Nepali Student Association (NSA).

Dashain, Nepal’s longest and most significant festival, lasts for 15 days. It begins with “Ghatasthapana,” when families sow jamara [barley seeds] sprouted in darkness to grow into yellow-green shoots symbolizing prosperity and renewal. The 10th day, known as “Vijaya Dashami,” is the most important: elders place “tika” (a mix of rice, yogurt and vermillion) on the foreheads of younger relatives and offer “jamara” along with blessings for health, success and unity, making it a day of family gatherings and cultural tradition.

The Washburn celebration opened with the singing of the Nepali national anthem, followed by the “tika” ceremony led by Baili Zhang, director of International Programs and Azyz Sharafy, professor of electronic arts and graphic design.

“Tika and jamara symbolizes love, respect and blessings,” Zhang said. “Through this tradition, I hope to share with both Nepali and other Washburn students, the message of unity, renewal and hope.”

After the ceremony, students shared in a bhoj- a traditional Nepali feast; prepared entirely by student volunteers. Marika Prasai, president of the international club, said the home cooking set this year is different.

“This time was special because we had home-cooked food,” Prasai said. “A lot of Nepali volunteers came together to prepare it and people really enjoyed that.”

It was also the first Dashain celebration hosted by the newly formed NSA, in collaboration with International Programs.

“It was kind of hectic, because it was a last-moment decision,” Prasai explained. “We started planning just one week ahead. The Nepali Student Association wasn’t even registered until last Wednesday, so this was their first time hosting Dashain.”

Despite the rush, the festival came together smoothly, with tika, food and live Nepali music that brought both joy and nostalgia.

“It feels good to find a home away from home,” said Ranju Shrestha, sophomore data analytics major. “Even though it’s not the same as Nepal, we’re still getting to celebrate Dashain here in the U.S.”

Josie Riddle, junior graphic design major, who attended the festival with her Nepali friends, said the celebration gave her a deeper appreciation for Nepali traditions.

“It was really cool because they were showing me their culture,” Riddle said. “I’ve always shared mine as an American, so this time it was fun to see theirs. I really enjoyed it.”

Zhang noted that the energy of the event reflected Washburn’s spirit of cultural exchange.

“What stood out this year was the active participation not only of the Nepali students but also other international and American students and faculty & staff, authentic food and live music” Zhang said.

For Nepali students, Dashain at Washburn was about more than food or music–it was about belonging.

“Seeing all of us Nepalis together brings back memories,” Prasai said. “Even though we’re far from home, we feel like we miss it less when we celebrate together.”

The celebration showed how traditions can travel across borders, bringing comfort, connection and cultural exchange to students who are making Washburn their second home.

Washburn continues to highlight diversity through international events. According to Zhang, the International Club is already planning its next program: another Dumpling Festival showcasing different international versions of this popular food.

Edited by Anushma Dahal and Bidhya Sapkota