Hindus in Nepal celebrate Dashain every year for fifteen days, making it the most auspicious and long festival. The festival occurs between September and October during the autumn season.
The Dashain festival is also known as Vijaya Dashami, and it is celebrated by Hindus in Nepal and Nepalese diaspora worldwide.
Dashain Festival brings families together, and markets fill with shoppers buying gifts and clothing. A variety of animals are prepared for slaughter as an offering to the deity, such as goats, sheep, buffalos, chickens, and ducks.
The majority of businesses and firms remain closed during the festival. Dashain is a festival in Nepal celebrated by the entire country gathering with their families and friends.
History of Dashain Festival:
Dashain, one of the largest festivals in Nepal, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. This festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil spirits or demons according to Hindu mythology.
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga won a war against the evil spirit Mahishasur that lasted for nine days, despite the demon’s power, despite the demon’s power, Durga was victorious.
On the tenth day, Maa Durga killed the demon and triumphed over him, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Dashain is also related to Ramayana’s victory over Ravana, according to Hindu beliefs.
How are different days in Dashain?
Dashain festival, which lasts 15 days, is celebrated with great joy and excitement. Among the fifteen days, the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and fifteenth are the most important.
Day 1: Ghatasthapa
“Ghatasthapana” marks the beginning of Dashain and involves placing a Kalash (metal pot) in honor of Goddess Durga, covering it with cow dung, and planting barley seeds. Afterward, Kalash is placed in the center of a rectangular sand block, and the rest of the sand is seeded as well.
Day 7: Fulpati or Saptami
During this day, Fulpati (holy leaves from bel trees, Ashok trees, sugar cane, etc.) are brought to Hanuman Dhoka, where the Dasain Ghar (main court) and Mui Kot (main gate) are located. This day is celebrated with a majestic fua-de-joy by the Nepalese Army at Tudikhel.
Day 8: MahaAshtami
This day is considered Kal Ratri, and animal sacrifices are held at different temples and shrines honoring the Goddess Durga.
Day 9: MahaNawami
This day, Hanuman Dhoka Mul Kot Dashain Ghar and other temples dedicated to Goddess Durga perform a special puja. Animals are sacrificed, and weapons are worshipped. Taleju temple at Hanuman Dhoka is only open once a year on this day.
Day 10: Vijayadashami
The tenth day of Dashain is known as Dashami, which is the main day of the celebration. On this day, elders offer tika (rice, yoghurt, and vermilion), jamara, and blessings of success and well-being to the younger.
This day brings family members and relatives together for celebrations, greetings, exchanges of greetings, receiving tikas and jamaras, wearing new clothes, eating delicious foods, playing swings, and having fun.
Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima
Kojagrat Purnima is the fifteenth and last day of Dashain, which is the full moon day. Kojagrata means “who is awake”. A Hindu god of wealth, Laxmi, is believed to come to earth on this particular day and give wealth to people who are awake throughout the night.
How do People Celebrate the Dashain Festival in Nepal?
There are numerous celebrations throughout Nepal that you can attend to learn more about Nepal’s religious culture, such as flying Dashain kites, buying new clothes, eating meats, playing swings, and playing cards.
- The practice of kite-flying is believed to be an important way to remind the gods not to rain any longer. The pure blue sky is filled with colorful kites of various sizes and shapes during the Dashain Festival when people of all ages fly kites with cheerful laughter and happiness.
- Dashain is celebrated by playing cards with family and friends and joking around.
- Dashain Holidays are an important time for shopping and buying new clothes, particularly in rural areas where people buy new clothes and goods during the holiday season. The festive season brings discounts in almost all of the country’s stores, which makes shopping more appealing.
- A number of exhibitions and festivities will also be held in small bazaars during Nepal’s biggest festival, including ferries wheels and traditional swings. In the cities, you’ll also find commercial exhibitions.
Why is Dashain such a grand festival to Nepalese?
As Dashain approaches, one can observe clear skies, kids running around in their new clothes, and families gathered under the same roof. Moreover, schools and colleges are closed because Dashain is widely observed and it’s great to have children around.
People who live far away save money, buy gifts, and visit their loved ones in their villages. There is a sense of harmony formed by the Dashain festival as it brings everyone together.
Dashain Festival means purchasing new clothes, and curtains, cleaning the house and eating delicious food. Dashain is enjoyed by everyone regardless of their age since this festival is enjoyed by everyone.
Final Words:
Dashain Festival Tour in Nepal is organized as a cultural tour during the national festival Dashain. By observing the faiths, festivals, and joys of Nepali people, this program allows you to gain an understanding of Nepal and Nepalese culture.
Himalayan Circuit organizes everything for you if you are planning a tour of Nepal during Dashain and want to celebrate in the village or in town.