Bhutanese people resettled in different countries of Europe have celebrated Dashain amidst different functions.
It is reported that Bhutanese in Alta, Northern Norway, gathered in Sisa, a cultural centre for a Dashain program on 6 June.
Bhutanese in Rogaland, Western Norway, observed Dashain amidst a cultural program on October 8. Started with a welcome dance, the young Bhutanese artists entertained the gathered folk with more than a dozen dances.
Musical chair competition among the women and inter-kommune (municipality) quiz competition among the children added flavor to the program.
In the program organized by Rogaland Working Committee, a regional branch of Association of Bhutanese in Norway, a sangini (a typical Nepali folk dance performed by women) depicted a vivid image of the long journey undertaken by Bhutanese from Bhutan to Norway.
The program was organized in Haugesund, a central city in the region.
As per Sekhar Dhimal, a Bhutanese youth in Kragerø, Bhutanese in Telemark, a county in Eastern Norway, gathered in the apartment of Chhabi Acharya in Prosgrunn to mark Dashain. It is reported that a community teeka ceremony was organised in the region.
Though it is reported that the programs are organized in other
regions too, the details are yet not obtained.
According to a report obtained from the UK, Bhutanese Welfare Association in the UK organised a get together party on the October 8 to mark Dasai and Tihar festival of the year. Honourable civic Mayor of Tameside city Council, Manchester graced the programme as the guest of honour.
Amidst a ceremony, the festival was inaugurated by Madam Mayor Susan Quinn with the lighting of festival candle as a symbol of blessing to the Bhutanese community in the UK.
Other eminent personalities who spoke in the occasion included Gerard Devaney from the Refugee Action, Duncan Wells from RETAS Leeds, Irela Forrest from Bury city council.
Prem Giri, Chaiperson of the Bhutanese Welfare Association expressed his deep gratitude to the guests and participants on behalf of the community.
KN Pokhrel, treasurer made a financial reporting of the Association. Traditional food was served and cultural programmes were hosted. Balan dance performed by the senior community members rocked the festival.
Dup Tshring Lepcha made a vote of thanks on behalf of the organising committee.
No any formal community program has been reported in Denmark and the Netherlands though the Bhutanese resettled in these countries are reported to have observed Dashain as per the cultural norms.
As per separate information given by a Bhutanese Hindu devotee from Manchester, UK, Bhutanese Hindu community in the UK marked Vijaya Dasami performing religious rites that began from Ghatasthapana, the very first day of religious festival followed by the recitation of Saptasati (Worship of Durga, the Goddess of Strength) at the residence of Chandralal Bajgai in Manchester and Dharma Raj Thapa in Bolton by Pandit (Priest) Tara Nidhi Niroula .
The religious rites concluded on the ninth day of Durga Puja with the offerings to the last forms of Goddess Durga, the Siddidatri. Dasami, the tenth day of religious festival was marked with the blessings and receiving Tikas from Pandit Niroula.
“This has become a great lesson to the Hindu youths and kids towards preservation and promotion of Hindu culture and tradition,” he said over telephone.
With input from Durga Giri from Manchester, UK.
