Kathmandu, Sept. 26 -- Among the many joys of the upcoming Dashain festival, one is when elders place tika on the foreheads of the younger ones, accompanied by the chanting of sacred mantras. This ritual goes beyond the symbolic red mark; it is a moment of blessing, a prayer that carries wishes for long life, prosperity, courage, and wisdom.

The words spoken may seem ancient, but their resonance is timeless, weaving together generations through faith and tradition. In many homes, these mantras are softly uttered, their meanings often left unexplained, yet they continue to embody the values and hopes that have shaped Nepali society for centuries. It is within these chants that the heart of Dashain lives-where spirituality meets familial l...