EHN are looking for volunteers who wish to see and help Nepali people during their biggest festival of the year Dashain. Dashain is a celebration of the goddess Durga's victory over evil which is personified in the buffalo demon Mahisasura. It's a time when families come together and celebrate over a 15 day period ending on a full moon. Eating, drinking and gambling are among the most common sights at this time of year with one being dedicated to the decapitation of goats. This is not something you have to watch but Durga is a blood thirsty Goddess and Nepalese love mutton so the Goats are killed on mass during one day to provide meat for the family throughout the 15 days.
EHN want to take volunteers to local people's homes who struggle to enjoy Dashain due to lack of money and pay them to host a volunteer or two for the festival. In return they receive the bulk of the payment EHN takes from the volunteer so they can enjoy Dashain to its fullest. This is a great way for you to put a little something straight into rural families at a time of year they will appreciate it most. You as a volunteer will have a great opportunity to experience Nepali rural life at its most exciting time of year plus learn about local life in Nepal.
Dashain 2012 is due to start on October 16th so we would advise anyone thinking of doing this placement to arrive no later than the 12th to 13th of October in order to get to your home stay and settle in.
EHN charge £10 or $15 per day with a one off £80 or $120 admin fee which covers food, accommodation, your airport pickup, city tour, local transport to and from your homestay. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to help a rural family, EHN will arrange the rest.
If you are interested in the Dashain volunteer homestay please contact EHN for more information using the details below.
info@ehn-nepal.org
www.ehn-nepal.org
EHN Nepal, More than just a volunteer organisation
