The changing climate, the kites , and moreover the beautiful Marigold reminds me that the festival is just around the corner.

Yes, the pleasant weather is the mostly reminding factor. Besides, the reaping crops such as paddy and millet, with every bunch hanging towards the ground and making the whole scenery golden-greenery, is another pleasing thing enough to make people feel that the season of festival is within the corner. The mid-time between the job of cultivation got over and harvesting about to come is the awesome period for all to keep feeling of flavor of festive mood. Anjan Gurung, Sydney, Australia

When the majestic festivity is just around the corner, one thing that captivates the minds and hearts of students like me is the soon-to-come holidays that span about a month in our calendars. It's one of those times when we can put the bugging burden of studies aside and have a peace of mind. We can delve into what we please, without getting engulfed into the fright that comes with the back-breaking loads of bulky books. Students find it hard to fight against the pressure that builds up and nearly break down due to frustration. The pile of garbage that heaps up in their mind puts out the little sparks of confidence, and their self-esteem buries itself deep into the garbage. Blinded under the blur, students become confused, broken and scattered; hoping on life to grant them a break so that they can rediscover their lost spirit. The festivity comes to their aid and helps to breathe air of confidence and energy into their life. Their strain is eased and a flush of excitement and enthusiasm let's them breathe a sigh of relief. Therefore, festivity helps to bridge the gap between a lost mind and it's spirit, and that's what I find enthralling about these festivities.

Dashain and Tihar, as we Hindus celebrate are the most memorable festivals according to me. We gather among our relatives, share happines and enjoy the days. I get to know about the arrivals of these festivals with the flying of the kites and also the talks and plans made by peoples around us. Just as these festive mood is seen in the face of people, I feel very much excited and relieved from the whole 5 months of college activities. Just as the talks of Dashain/Tihar vacation comes over, we are given lot of homeworks which makes me aware that these festivals are not very far. One annoying thing about these upcoming events is the crowd of people that eventually block the road and that makes me furious as even the horns of the vehicles get louder and louder. But the best part is hanging around with friends and partying with a full volume on the stereo speakers. And yes, the enjoyment of rushing to shopping malls is one kind of fun where we buy clothes according to our choice. This would be even more fun if we are going without our parents.

Dashain is the only time when we observe Kathmandu to be as vacant as possible. Streets, Gallis, Parks, Shopping centers of Kathmandu will be such lonely places to be during Dashain time. While almost all the time of the year passes by watching and being in crowd, listening to unworthy horns of vehicles, and breathing unhealthy air, Dashain is the only time that Kathmandu gets rid of these things. And I guess the absence of these everyday routine reminds me that the festival, especially Dashain, is coming and is here.

As I work in a hospital so i have to do different shift of duty even I have many colleague who are from out of valley even I am the same one. so when these festivals come near then every staff wants to go his/her own home to celebrate it.Hardly only few staffs will be there to do duty.So it makes a problem to hospital's seniors who make duty roster of staffs. last time I had to overcome a long process to take leave for this occasion but this time I have no chance to go home because I should give turn to others because this time my turn is over.

For me festival means shopping, eating delicious food, visiting different places and many more. Whenever I see variety of clothes in the market (new road) with the tag of "sale" I feel like festivals are on their way. The excitement of buying new clothes, shoes, bags etc by discussing it with friends and families symbolizes me that Dashain/Tihar is coming soon. It also gives me the aesthetic pleasure from the very beginning of the month when everyone is busy discussing about how they are going to look during these festivals. Such childish activities reminds me that Dashain/Tihar are coming soon because in our society from the childhood we are familiar with Dashain/Tihar means buying new clothes, eating delicious food, visiting relatives houses so, now I am used to with such things. Whenever such gossip rumors around me in the college and even in my house I feel like festivals are visiting me soon.

There are various offers during this festive season. Boards are put up everywhere, some shops are assuring gifts; while others are offering discounts,or take two in a price of one. Other local groups, banks, and institutions put up their well wishes. Not only that, television and newspapers are full of advertisements. Whatever it might be, every shops and malls we pass by, we cannot take our eyes off the huge, colorful billboards(and their offers) and they remind me that festive season is just around the corner.