Local Voices
Maryland Becomes First US State to Recognize Nepali Festival Dashain
Maryland Governor signs a bill recognizing the Nepali festival Dashain as a commemorative day, making history as the first state to do so.
Maryland's Democratic Governor, Wes Moore, signed the Dashain Commemorative Day bill into law on Wednesday, making Maryland the first state in the United States to officially recognize the Nepali festival. The bill, which was introduced by Delegate Harry Bhandari and had already passed the state House and Senate the previous month, has now become law.
The new law requires the Governor to proclaim October 5 as Dashain Day annually, which is a festival originating in Nepal that celebrates and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The law will come into effect on October 1, 2023, and is expected to provide an opportunity for Nepali-Americans in Maryland to celebrate and share their culture with their fellow Marylanders.
Dashain is a major Hindu religious festival in Nepal, celebrated by Nepali Hindus and others around the world. The festival lasts for up to fifteen days and is the longest and most auspicious festival in the Bikram Sambat and Nepal Sambat annual calendars. It is also considered the largest national/public holiday in Nepal, lasting for five days.
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During the festival, Nepali Hindus celebrate the triumph of good over evil and mark the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. They offer prayers, perform traditional rituals, and feast on delicious food with family and friends. The festival is also a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional music and dance.
The bill's passage was celebrated by Nepali-Americans across Maryland and the USA, who hope that the recognition of Dashain Day will help promote greater cultural understanding and appreciation in the state. Delegate Harry Bhandari, who is of Nepali origin, expressed his joy at the news, saying, "I am proud to have introduced this bill, which recognizes the rich cultural heritage of Nepali-Americans and the significance of Dashain to our community. This is a great day for Nepali diaspora of Maryland and the USA. I hope it will inspire other states to follow suit."
