Flood victims face a bleak Dashain

By Rajani Yogi, Surkhet, Oct. 12: As Nepal’s major festivals approach, people displaced by floods and living in the Girighat settlement in the community forest area of Birendranagar Municipality-1 are still struggling to find reasons to celebrate.

Dashain began on Sunday with Ghatasthapana (auspicious first day of Dashain). 

People have started returning home from cities and towns, as well as from abroad, to celebrate the festival with their families. 

People from all walks of life are preparing to celebrate Dashain according to their means. 

However, there is little festive cheer in the flood-displaced settlement at Girighat, where residents continue to struggle under the weight of hardship and debt.

For the past 11 years, Dashain has brought little joy to these families. The floods of 2014 left hundreds homeless, while many lost family members and relatives. 

More than a dozen people died in the disaster. Although 11 years have passed since the tragedy, the suffering of those living in the Girighat settlement has yet to ease.

In the past, Dashain brought joy to Dil Bahadur BK’s household, with relatives filling the house, crowds gathering to receive tika and blessings, and people singing and dancing in the courtyard in the evening.