Global Insights Presents 'Nepal'

Majestic Mt. Everest and seven more of world’s tallest peaks stretch to the heavens within the narrow borders of the southern Asia country of Nepal. Global Insights is pleased to feature Ayushi Das ’26, accounting, and Aditya Agrawal ’24, graduate student in the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program, who will present on Nepal, Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509. Registration is required. Click here to register.

“Hindu is the national religion. Most people wake up and pray,” said Agrawal. “Many wake up, read the newspaper and have milk tea,” a favorite drink, added Das.

Hinduism is the centerpiece of Nepali culture. Families can be both dependent, including extended relatives living together, and independent, where the household contains only the nuclear family.  Either way, it is customary for families to gather together for special Hindu holiday celebrations.

Das and Agrawal shared that their favorite holidays are the Dashain National Festival, which they said celebrates the triumph of the different manifestations of the Goddess Durga over evil, followed by Tihar, a five-day festival of lights worshipping Yama and Laxmi. People sing and dance, decorate with lights and set off fireworks. Elders bless younger family members with tika, red powder mixed with rice that is placed on the forehead, as a welcome and symbol of faith and devotion.

All students, faculty and staff are invited to learn about the Living Goddess, and share in the cultural cuisine of Nepal!

This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.