Tag Archives: Australia

Holi: The Festival of Colours and Its Significance

Posted on March 15, 2025 | Leave a comment

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in Hindu culture. It marks the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and a time of unity, laughter, and togetherness. People play with colours (abir), throw water balloons, and enjoy traditional sweets and drinks while dancing to festive music.

The Significance of Holi

Holi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It celebrates the legend of Prahlad and Holika, symbolising the triumph of devotion and righteousness over arrogance and evil. The festival also honours Lord Krishna’s playful tradition of smearing colours on Radha and the gopis, which inspired the modern-day celebrations.

Holi in Newar Culture

In Newar communities, Holi is celebrated with unique traditions that blend Hindu and Buddhist influences. The festival is known as “Sithi Nakha” in some places and is a time for social gatherings and merrymaking. The celebration in Kathmandu starts a week before the main day, with the installation of the ceremonial Chir (a bamboo pole decorated with colourful cloths) at Basantapur Durbar Square. This represents the playful spirit of Holi and is later burned in a symbolic farewell to winter.

Newars celebrate Holi with “Abiraya”, a tradition of applying abir (coloured powder) as a blessing and mark of love. Families and friends gather to enjoy traditional sweets like yomari and sel roti, while children and youth play with water and colours in the streets.

While Holi in Terai and India is celebrated a day later, in Kathmandu and other hilly regions, it falls on Fagu Purnima. The festival brings people of all backgrounds together, reinforcing harmony and joy.

A Celebration of Unity and Culture

Holi is more than just a festival of colours—it is a celebration of life, love, and cultural heritage. Whether through throwing abir, sharing sweets, or coming together with loved ones, it reminds us to spread happiness and positivity.

Here in Australia, we celebrated Holi with vibrant colours, laughter, and joy, bringing together friends and neighbours for a truly unforgettable day. We danced to festive music, splashed colours on each other, and embraced the spirit of togetherness. The kids had an absolute blast, running around with water balloons and bright abir, their smiles reflecting the happiness of the festival. It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and beautiful memories, reminding us that no matter where we are, the spirit of Holi brings people closer.

Wishing everyone a joyous and colourful Holi!

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

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Hello from Tasmania: Our Summer Holiday Adventure

Posted on January 22, 2025 | Leave a comment

Our summer holiday this year took us to the charming city of Hobart, Tasmania, and we couldn’t have had a better time! From the moment we boarded our flight, we were filled with excitement, and by the time we landed, Hobart had already started to win us over.

Hobart is such a unique place—nestled between the mountains and the sea, it’s a city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It’s smaller and quieter than some of the major Australian cities, but that’s part of its charm. For our family, it was the perfect spot to unwind and explore together.

We stayed in a lovely Doubletree by Hilton in the city, which gave us easy access to everything Hobart had to offer. The kids absolutely loved it—they could run around freely, and it felt safe and peaceful. The peaceful surroundings gave us the space we needed to recharge, yet we were still close enough to all the action.

As for the food, we were in heaven! Hobart has so many incredible options—whether we were grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a leisurely meal. We enjoyed everything from fresh seafood a to delicious local treats.

On one of our days, we ventured out to the Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum—a fascinating experience for the whole family. The kids were fascinated by the life-sized husky statues and learning about the Antarctic explorers. We also took a stroll through the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, where the kids had a blast running around and exploring the stunning plant displays.

We also visited Bruny Island, a short ferry ride from Hobart, where we enjoyed the incredible views, wildlife, and delicious local cheeses. Another memorable stop was Port Arthur, a historic site with such a powerful story. Walking around the grounds and learning about its history was both educational and thought-provoking for the whole family.

One of the most exciting moments was when we watched the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Hobart. The kids were mesmerised by the dazzling display over the harbour, and it was such a special way to ring in the new year together.

We couldn’t leave Tasmania without exploring Salamanca Market—the vibrant stalls filled with local produce, crafts, and handmade treasures were fantastic. The kids loved browsing through the goodies and picking out a few souvenirs.

Another unforgettable adventure was our visit to the Tall Trees Walk and Russell Cascade waterfall. The towering trees made us feel so small in the best possible way, and the kids had a blast hiking through the forest. The Russell Cascade Waterfall walk, with its lush greenery and stunning views, was a perfect way to connect with nature and unwind.

Another highlight was the breathtaking Mount Wellington. We drove to the summit, and the views were nothing short of spectacular. The kids had fun hiking around, and we enjoyed the panoramic vistas of Hobart, the Derwent River, and the surrounding wilderness.

Throughout our trip, it was the little moments that made it special: watching the kids discover new things, sharing meals at cozy cafés, and taking in the scenery. Hobart may be a small city, but it’s full of charm and adventure, and it’s a place we can’t wait to return to.

Hobart, Tasmania—thank you for the memories! It was the perfect place for our summer holiday, and we can’t wait to see where our next adventure will take us.

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

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Posted in Australia, Holidays, TAS - Australia

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A Family Day Out at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Posted on January 19, 2025 | Leave a comment

Our recent trip to Tasmania was filled with incredible experiences, but one of the highlights was spending half a day at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in Hobart. As a family of four, we’re always looking for places where both adults and kids can enjoy themselves, and this garden turned out to be perfect for all of us.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by lush greenery and beautifully maintained paths that seemed to lead us into a different world. The kids immediately dashed off to explore, thrilled to find so much open space where they could run around and burn off their energy.

One of the first spots we visited was the Japanese Garden, and it completely stole our hearts. The tranquil ponds, delicate wooden bridges, and the soft rustle of the leaves created such a peaceful vibe. My husband and I took a moment to sit on one of the benches, soaking in the calmness while the kids excitedly pointed out the koi fish swimming gracefully in the pond. It was one of those rare moments where everyone was happy and content in the same place.

Another highlight was the Tasmanian native plant collection. We spent time admiring the unique and diverse flora that this island is known for. It was amazing to see plants we’d never encountered before, and the kids had fun trying to guess the names (with some hilarious results).

The Subantarctic Plant House was a bit of an adventure in itself. Stepping into the cool, controlled environment was like visiting a miniature version of Tasmania’s subantarctic islands. The kids found it fascinating, and we all learned a lot about the unique ecosystems of these remote places.

The gardens are so vast and varied that there was always something new to discover. From colourful flower beds to the aromatic herb garden, every corner offered a little surprise. We even found a lovely spot to sit down and enjoy some snacks we’d brought along, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

What made this visit truly special wasn’t just the stunning scenery but the chance to slow down and connect as a family. Watching the kids laugh and run freely while we explored together was such a joy. It felt like we’d hit pause on the busy-ness of life and stepped into a place of pure calm and beauty.

By the time we left, we were all feeling refreshed and inspired, with plenty of photos and happy memories to take home. The kids even asked if we could visit again next time we’re in Tasmania, which says a lot considering their usual attention spans!

If you’re ever in Hobart, I can’t recommend the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens enough. Whether you’re traveling with kids, as a couple, or on your own, it’s a place that offers something for everyone—a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and fun.

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

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Posted in Australia, Holidays, TAS - Australia

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Hello, 2025! 🎆

Posted on January 3, 2025 | 3 comments

We’re currently on holiday in beautiful Tasmania, Australia, and couldn’t miss the chance to stop and wish you all a Happy New Year! 🌟✨

Hobart’s skies lit up with breathtaking fireworks, setting the perfect vibe to welcome 2025. From the lively waterfront to the festive energy all around, it’s been an unforgettable start to the year.

Here’s to a year filled with joy, adventures, and cherished memories. Let’s make 2025 amazing! 🥂🎇

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

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Posted in Australia, Celebrations

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Merry Christmas 2024 🎄🎅🎁

Posted on December 25, 2024 | 1 comment

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! May your holiday season be filled with love, laughter, and precious memories to cherish forever.🎄🎅🎁❤️

The magic of Christmas is in the air, and our neighbourhood is glowing with festive cheer! This year, the streets have come alive with twinkling lights, creative displays, and a heartwarming sense of community.

As we strolled through the neighbourhood, we were amazed by the effort and creativity everyone has put into their decorations. Houses are adorned with shimmering fairy lights, glowing reindeer, and Santa climbing chimneys. Some homes even have entire light shows synchronized to music, creating a magical experience for all who pass by.

One of my favourite displays features a life-sized nativity scene surrounded by sparkling lights, reminding us of the true spirit of Christmas. Another standout is a house with a candy-cane theme, complete with a giant inflatable snowman waving to everyone who stops to admire the view.

It’s heartwarming to see families, kids, and even pets walking around, soaking in the festive atmosphere. The lights not only brighten up the streets but also bring people together, spreading joy and laughter.

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

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