Nepali American Friendship Association
2008 Dashain Celebration
A video report by Heidi M. Pascual
2008 Dashain Celebration
A video report by Heidi M. Pascual
On October 11, 2008, the Nepali American Friendship Association celebrated Dashain at
Monona Community Center in Monona, Wisconsin. Dashain, the biggest festival in Nepal, is a
celebration of the victory of good versus evil, represented by the goddess Durga who slew the
demon Mahisasura after a fierce battle that lasted nine days. On the 10th day, Durga won the
battle, and this special day has been commemorated by a joyous festival of her believers
throughout the world.
Local Nepalis celebrated Dashain with lots of ethnic food, musical performances, a special
address by State Sen. Mark Miller, and the grant of scholarships to three Nepali students:
Shreejana Acharya (a pre-nursing student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison); Asmita Batajoo
(nutritional science/pre-pharmacy at the University of Minnesota; and Sneha Shrestha
(pre-medical, UW-Madison). NAFA President Krishna Sijapati welcomed the attendees and
introduced the guest speaker, while Dr. Gautam Vajracharya presented the scholarship awards to
recipients. Megha Poudel led the chanting/prayers, and thereafter, performances, including a skit
by children, followed.
Monona Community Center in Monona, Wisconsin. Dashain, the biggest festival in Nepal, is a
celebration of the victory of good versus evil, represented by the goddess Durga who slew the
demon Mahisasura after a fierce battle that lasted nine days. On the 10th day, Durga won the
battle, and this special day has been commemorated by a joyous festival of her believers
throughout the world.
Local Nepalis celebrated Dashain with lots of ethnic food, musical performances, a special
address by State Sen. Mark Miller, and the grant of scholarships to three Nepali students:
Shreejana Acharya (a pre-nursing student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison); Asmita Batajoo
(nutritional science/pre-pharmacy at the University of Minnesota; and Sneha Shrestha
(pre-medical, UW-Madison). NAFA President Krishna Sijapati welcomed the attendees and
introduced the guest speaker, while Dr. Gautam Vajracharya presented the scholarship awards to
recipients. Megha Poudel led the chanting/prayers, and thereafter, performances, including a skit
by children, followed.