In the Nahr-e Saraj area of southern Helmand, where they are based, the Gurkhas celebrated in their Patrol Bases and Check Points, between patrols and operations, from the period of 14th to 17th October.
Dashain takes place each year in the September/October bright lunar fortnight. Many mythological stories are associated with the festival; the common thread is the triumph of good over evil.
The main celebration observes the victory of the gods – particularly the Goddess Durga – over the wicked demons that harassed mankind in the ancient times. The celebration traditionally lasts for 15 days but, whilst in Afghanistan, the Gurkhas observe just four days of the festival.
The Gurkhas set-up a small temple in each of their Patrol Bases for weekly worship and blessings. In August the Battalion Pundit (Hindu Chaplain) visited the Gurkhas in Nahr-e Saraj, holding temple services and blessing each soldier with a tikka (red dot on the forehead).
During the Dashain festival, offerings of fruit are placed in the temples and services held each morning for the soldiers. Many Gurkhas are seen with red tikkas during Dashain – blessings for safety and prosperity as they approach the end of their operational tour and return home to their families.
Major Khusiman Gurung MVO holds the exclusive rank of Gurkha Major – known as “GM Saheb” to the soldiers – and is responsible for the Gurkhas’ pastoral care.
GM Saheb Khusiman Gurung blesses the soldiers with a tikka (red dot on the forehead)Major Khusiman Gurung said: “It means a lot to the boys and families – even though they are not together – to be able to celebrate the festival in the traditional way. We have managed to put together a small gift box for each member of the Battalion with items bought from Nepal with donations from the UK Gurkha community and the Brigade of Gurkhas Regimental Association. The boxes include a greeting card from their loved ones at home, a topi hat and dried fruit. The bags will be presented to the soldiers by senior Gurkhas in the Check Points and Patrol Bases.”
For the last six months the Gurkhas have formed the Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj battle group, working with the Afghan forces to protect the local population. In a predominantly agricultural area of Helmand, the Gurkhas’ progress has been acknowledged by Commander ISAF, General David Petraeus, who visited the Battalion at the end of last month.
During his visit Gen Petraeus learned of the Gurkhas’ successes achieved through a dedicated approach to understanding the population in the local area. The Gurkhas have brought security to a number of villages and established a number of development projects for the community; including the construction of a road joining the main towns of Gereshk and Lashkar Gah.
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