Gurkhas celebrate religious-festival Dashain in Helmand province [Image 2 of 23]

PATROLLING BASE CHILI, AFGHANISTAN

09.23.2011

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan David Chandler 

Regional Command Southwest

A Nepalese soldier from the Royal Gurkha Rifles regiment of the British Army, Brigade of Gurkhas prepares a traditional meal for Dashain, at Lashkar Gah district, Helmand province, Sept. 23. The Royal Gurkha Rifles are the only Gurkha unit in the British army. Dashain, a 15-day Nepalese national and religious-festival, and is the country’s longest and most auspicious festival. Dashain commemorates the victories of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasur, goddess Durga is worshiped throughout Nepal as the divine mother goddess.

• Date Taken: 09.23.2011
• Date Posted: 09.25.2011 14:32
• Photo ID: 462458
• VIRIN: 110923-N-TH989-015
• Resolution: 4256x2832
• Size: 8.61 MB
• Location: PATROLLING BASE CHILI, AF