We just wrapped up a gorgeous Holi celebration here in Sydney, and my heart’s still full. For anyone who’s not familiar, Holi is a festival of colour that marks the arrival of spring. Back in Nepal, it’s one of the happiest days of the year -everyone’s out on the streets with family, neighbours and friends, throwing colours, sharing food, laughing and just enjoying the moment together.
This year, we tried to bring a little slice of that spirit to Sydney. We headed down to the local park with our mates and neighbours, and before long everyone was covered head-to-toe in colour. Kids were running around, adults pretending not to be competitive with colour throwing… the whole vibe felt like home. It reminded me how simple joy can be when you share it.
And of course – the food. We made chatpate, which is such a classic Nepali street snack and honestly perfect for quick get-togethers. If you haven’t tried it, chatpate is a crunchy, tangy, spicy mix made with puffed rice. It’s got this punchy flavour that hits all the right notes, and the best part is how quick it is to make.
Here’s the fast version of how we made it:
Quick & Easy Chatpate
Puffed rice
Finely chopped onion, tomato and cucumber
Coriander
A squeeze of lemon
Chilli (as much or as little as you like)
A bit of mustard oil for that proper Nepali kick
Salt to taste
Mix it all together just before serving so it stays crunchy — and that’s it. Fresh, zesty and perfect for days like this.
Celebrating Holi away from Nepal can feel different, but sharing colours, food and laughs with the people around us makes it special in its own way. Still buzzing from all the fun and all the colour. 💛💜💚
This year’s Tihar has been truly special for me. It’s our second biggest festival, and it goes on for five beautiful days filled with light, laughter, music, and togetherness. Since moving to this new place, I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by a wonderful Nepalese community — and celebrating Tihar here has been nothing short of amazing.
Each day of the festival brought its own charm and meaning: ✨ Day 1 – Kaag Tihar (Crow Day): We started by offering food to crows, messengers of Yama, the god of death, to ward off sadness and bad news for the coming year.
🐕 Day 2 – Kukur Tihar (Dog Day): We honoured our loyal friends — dogs — by placing garlands, tika, and delicious treats for them. Seeing everyone’s pets proudly wearing flowers and tikas was heartwarming.
🐄 Day 3 – Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja: Morning began with worshipping cows, a symbol of prosperity and motherhood. As the evening arrived, we lit up our homes with diyas and candles to welcome Goddess Laxmi. The streets shimmered with light, and the air was filled with laughter, music, and the scent of incense.
👭 Day 4 – Govardhan Puja / Mha Puja: This day felt especially meaningful as we performed Mha Puja — a beautiful ritual of self-purification and self-respect. We celebrated life and energy with our family and neighbours, creating a deep sense of connection and gratitude.
🎶 Day 5 – Bhai Tika: The final day was emotional and full of love — sisters placing tika on their brothers’ foreheads, wishing them long life, happiness, and prosperity.
Throughout these five days, the best part was coming together with our neighbours to play Deusi–Bhailo every evening. We went from house to house singing, dancing, and sharing laughter. Everyone contributed — some cooked, some sang, some played the madal or guitar — and every night ended with food, stories, and joy.
This Tihar reminded me of home — of warmth, light, and community. It wasn’t just a festival; it was a celebration of connection, tradition, and belonging.
First of all, thank you to everyone who has reached out to me over the past few days. Your kindness has meant so much. My family in Nepal is safe, and for that I am deeply grateful.
On 8 September 2025, Nepal entered what feels like a defining moment in its history. After years of frustration with a system plagued by corruption, nepotism, and unaccountable leadership, thousands of young people — many of them students — took to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities.
The government’s sudden decision to ban 26 popular social media platforms — including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) — became the spark that ignited this uprising. But underneath it all, the real driver was anger at the corruption and dysfunction that have paralysed Nepal’s politics for so long.
For Gen Z, this ban wasn’t just about apps being switched off — it was about being silenced. And this generation decided they would no longer accept that. What began as peaceful demonstrations against censorship quickly transformed into a nationwide movement calling for an end to corruption and real accountability in government.
The protests started peacefully, exactly as the young people had planned — with chants, banners, and a clear call for accountability. But the government chose to confront them aggressively. In Kathmandu, as protesters tried to move closer to restricted zones around Parliament, security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition. What had begun as a hopeful, organised demonstration quickly spiralled into chaos.
The images and live videos were heartbreaking. Young people who had set out to make their voices heard were suddenly caught in a storm of violence. Lives were lost, many more left injured, and the streets descended into chaos. Homes, businesses, and government buildings were damaged or set ablaze. What started as a hopeful demand for change turned into scenes of destruction and grief.
As the protests grew, so did the confusion. Social media feeds were flooded with conflicting reports, rumours, and fake news. Some accounts exaggerated events, while others downplayed them. For those of us following from outside, it was incredibly difficult to know what was real. Sorting fact from fiction became one of the hardest parts of understanding what was happening — a reminder of just how dangerous misinformation can be in moments of crisis.
The human cost has been devastating. At least 51 people have been killed so far, including protesters, police officers, and bystanders. Thousands more have been injured. Families have been torn apart in the process.
The political consequences have been equally dramatic. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking moral responsibility for the bloodshed. The government, under immense pressure, was forced to lift the social media ban that had sparked the protests. And in the most significant shift yet, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli stepped down.
Nepal’s Parliament has been dissolved, and a historic transition is now underway. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as the interim Prime Minister, becoming the first woman ever to hold the role. New elections have been scheduled for 5 March 2026 — a date many Nepalis are already marking with both hope and uncertainty.
Like so many others, I feel shock, sadness, and anger. It’s hard to comprehend how quickly things escalated, and how many lives have been lost or disrupted. Yet, amid the grief, there’s something powerful about seeing people — especially the youth — stand together and say “enough is enough.”
Nepal is at a crossroads. Change is never easy, and it often comes at a painful cost. But I truly hope this moment becomes the turning point that leads to real accountability, genuine reform, and a brighter future for the country I love.
This year’s Teej celebrations were such a beautiful surprise for me! 🌸✨
I ended up joining so many different Teej Ko Daar gatherings with different groups of friends, and each one had its own unique charm. There was endless food (seriously, the feasting never stopped), lots of laughter, hours of dancing, and of course—plenty of TikToks being made along the way. It was festive, colourful, and full of energy from start to finish.
What made it even more meaningful is that I’m Newar, and I didn’t really grow up celebrating Teej in the traditional way. But because of my friends, I was able to immerse myself in the joy of the festival this year—and I absolutely loved every part of it! Sometimes, it’s the people around you who make a festival special, and that’s exactly how it felt.
From finding outfit inspiration online, to getting dressed up in gorgeous festive looks, to sharing meals and dancing until we were all out of breath—the celebrations were about so much more than just tradition. They were about togetherness, joy, and creating memories that will stick with me for years.
Teej this year wasn’t just about celebrating—it was about connection, culture, and pure fun.
I’m so grateful to my friends for including me in their traditions and making me feel part of something bigger. Can’t wait to do it all over again next year! 💃
Our recent trip to Tasmania was an incredible journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. A standout highlight was our visit to the iconic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart. Having heard so many glowing reviews, we arrived with high expectations, and MONA delivered a fascinating, one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family—albeit with a few surprises along the way!
From the outside, MONA appears deceptively modest, with its sleek, modern, minimalist façade giving no indication of the vast world hidden beneath. Once inside, we were awestruck by the scale of the underground galleries. Spread across multiple levels, the museum feels like a labyrinth of creativity, with dark, winding pathways leading to a treasure trove of thought-provoking, boundary-pushing art.
The exhibits themselves were a mix of the strange, the beautiful, and the deeply intriguing. One of the standout installations was the “Pulse Room,” a mesmerizing display of hanging light bulbs that pulse in time with the heartbeat of the participants. It was a captivating way to blend art and human connection. Another unforgettable piece was the “Cloaca Professional” (often referred to as the “poo machine”)—a bizarre but oddly fascinating work that mimics the human digestive process. While it’s not for the faint-hearted, it certainly sparked some animated conversations with the kids, who were equal parts amused and bewildered!
The “Waterfall” installation, which displays falling water droplets spelling out words and phrases, was another crowd favourite. It was stunning to watch and left us marveling at the creativity and technology behind it. We also explored the interactive “O” device, which provides in-depth information about each artwork, allowing us to choose whether to dive deeper into the meaning of the pieces or simply appreciate them at face value.
Some exhibits, however, weren’t child-friendly due to mature or confronting themes. As parents, we made sure to guide our kids carefully and chose areas that felt suitable for them. Despite these limitations, MONA did an excellent job of offering an educational experience. Our children were surprisingly engaged, especially with the interactive features and the museum’s clever use of technology, like the augmented reality elements that added layers to the experience.
Once we were ready for a break, the outdoor areas provided the perfect opportunity to unwind. The kids, who had grown a bit restless indoors, were thrilled to discover the giant trampoline outside. They bounced with endless energy under the open sky, surrounded by MONA’s quirky sculptures and serene gardens. The outdoor spaces had a unique vibe, blending relaxation with a sense of playful exploration.
The museum’s practical features also enhanced the visit. Lockers to store our belongings made navigating the galleries much easier, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. However, we did find the food options somewhat underwhelming. While the on-site cafes had a decent selection, we expected something more creative and varied to match the museum’s bold reputation.
Admission was AUD 35 for adults, with free entry for children under 18, which we found to be excellent value considering the scale and uniqueness of the experience.
Overall, MONA was an unforgettable experience that added a distinct and unexpected flavour to our Tasmania trip. The museum’s blend of art, creativity, and innovation made for a truly memorable visit, while the outdoor play areas were a major highlight for the kids. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just someone looking for a unique adventure, MONA offers something for everyone—so long as you embrace the unexpected.
If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, MONA should definitely be on your list. Just be prepared to balance the visit between family fun and exploring the art, and you’ll have an amazing time!
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