Will You Give Digital Dakshina Instead Of Notes This Year Bada Dashain, the great festival of Nepali Hindus, has come to the courtyard. It is a festival of religious and cultural significance and an opportunity to bring families and communities closer together.
Dakshina is given during Dashain along with Tika and Jamra blessings. It traditionally shows respect and love. This tradition, which has been going on for a long time, established a social custom of the elder members of the family blessing the younger ones and supporting them financially.
However, times are changing. Nowadays, instead of paper notes, the practice of sending money through digital means of ‘Digital Dakshina’ is becoming widespread. The rise of digital payment systems may give a new look to the old tradition of giving Dakshina on Dashain. Here’s how technology is changing our social norms:
Traditional Dakshina
The practice of giving Dakshina on the occasion of Dashain has been going on for centuries. Dakshina is not only money but also a symbol of affection, respect and blessings. On Dashain, the elders of every family used to give new notes to the younger members of the family and relatives. Which was called ‘Dakshina’.
Especially children were waiting to get Dakshina. With that money, it was part of their happiness to buy books, toys, sweets or whatever they wanted.
In this way, giving Dakshina at home strengthened the family relationship. It was a part of social culture as well as economic empowerment.
However, traditional Dakshina also had some challenges. To give Dakshina to distant relatives, it was necessary to meet physically. The management of paper notes could also be complicated over time. And, in some cases, there was a risk of getting lost or damaged.
Digital Dakshina
Recently, there has been a rapid increase in mobile and internet access. With this, digital payment systems are becoming popular. Due to this, digital payments have taken a big place even in traditional festivals like Dashain.
Now, not only the young generation living in the city but also many people in the villages have started sending money through digital wallets. This can also be applied in the case of Dakshina.
To bring forward Digital Dakshina, this time the National Bank distributed Sukila Notes (new notes) less than in previous years. It is said that this year the bank has distributed sukila notes worth one billion 31 crore rupees. It is said that this amount is less than the amount distributed by the bank in previous years.
Similarly, the bank has instructed the digital wallet company to temporarily increase the limit (number) of depositing money in the wallet. In other words, previously, the facility of depositing money in the personal account of the wallet was up to 10 times a day, but now it will be done up to 30 times. This will be applicable till 1st October. Similarly, the National Bank has said that this arrangement will apply to Tihar and Chhath as well.
If you send more than 100 rupees from personal account to personal account more than three times a day, a service fee is charged. The company said that there will be no additional charges throughout the Dashain period.
Digital wallet IME Pay does not charge extra fees for sending money from personal account to personal account. Therefore, there is no charge for sending Dakshina through it. Similarly, the company will give the iPhone 16 as a gift to one of the customers who sent Dakshina.
There is no need for paper notes as the transaction will be done through digital means. However, in some places, it is mandatory to use paper notes.
Difference between Traditional Dakshina and Digital Dakshina
1) Social experience
Traditional Dakshina: The traditional process of giving Dakshina has special emotional significance. While giving money from the hand, a direct relationship is formed between the person who receives Dakshina and the person who gives it. In this process, taking money from the hands of the elders, getting vaccinations, and receiving blessings from the younger ones is seen as a reflection of social warmth.
Digital Dakshina: Digital Dakshina has slightly changed the direct relationship. Money can be sent immediately, but the experience of personal contact and affection is somewhat reduced. Veteran Tika, Jamra and blessings are received but if Dakshina is received from a digital wallet then it does not make any difference in emotional relationship and intimacy. Getting Dakshina through digital wallets inspires us to celebrate the festival in a new way using time and technology.
2) Financial management
Traditional Dakshina: Managing paper notes and giving Dakshina required time and labour. Arranging separate notes for the whole family, in some cases standing in line at the bank and issuing new notes was difficult.
Digital Dakshina: The use of digital wallets has made this process very easy. Now, by simply scanning the QR code, you can send as much money as you want via mobile. It has reduced time, labour and hassle.
3) Safety
Traditional Dakshina: There is a risk of losing paper notes, and receiving fake notes. In the big Dakshina, there is the same fear of theft or fraud.
Digital Dakshina: The use of digital Dakshina has completely eliminated this problem. All funds can be digitally tracked. This saves money. The amount can be kept safe by using a password, PIN code and OTP.
4) Commercial offers and promotions
Traditional Dakshina: In traditional Dakshina, there was no opportunity for commercial offers or discounts. Dakshina was a symbol of emotional affection and no technical or financial gain was attached to it.
Digital Dakshina: Digital wallets have attracted customers by bringing Dashain offers. Digital wallets have promoted Digital Dakshina by providing cashback, discounts or special gift services. Therefore, additional services are added to it for consumers.
Changes brought about by technology
Technology has not only made our festivals easier. It has also added a new dimension to our social tradition. The emergence of digital wallets has not eliminated the traditional Dakshina giving ritual but has given it a new form. With the change of time, our traditions are also becoming favourable. And, with the help of technology, they are making it more powerful and modern.
Digital wallets have included animations to give the impression of receiving Dakshina in physical form. Animation is believed to bring the same kind of joy as receiving a physical or dry note.
