CAN YOU IMAGINE CHRISTMAS without family, food or gifts? That is the pending reality for many families in Nepal as they approach the sacred festival of ‘Dashain’ , a festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over evil forces, similar to the festival of St Michael defeating the dragon. Interesting that the two festivals more or less coincide! It is a time for the annual family pilgrimages back to their towns, villages and parental homes. An annual ritual, uniting families and loved ones, the sharing of celebratory food and gifts, that of course can be likened to Hanukkah and Christmas. This year, the ‘ Dashain’ festivities run from 26 Sep, through until 9 Oct (similar to the 12 days of Christmas) with 5 Oct being the major celebratory day. I personally know of three families that face the prospect of ‘Dashain’ without the wherewithal to celebrate, through no fault of their own. I would not hesitate to dig into my savings to give them financial gift...