Swasthani is an age old tradition and I will defend it with all my honor. Yes, it is the 21st century, and yes, everything it says should not be taken literally, just like with the Bible. However, there are lessons that are taught from the book that are still useful today: anger causes problem, one should not be blinded by pride, being generous and spiritual in your own way will result in fruitful endevors, etc. In addition to that, Swasthani brings family together which automatically provide values that we need so critically in today's world. If you are in America and you refuse to teach your kids about Swasthani or any other Nepalese traditions, then where's the identity? How do we identify ourselves? Swasthani is a very important tradition and I'll be damned if I stop reciting or listening it every year. I've done it every year of my 18 years of life and I'll be continuing it. db