Dashain Festival in Nepal is a widely celebrated and popular tradition that typically occurs in autumn. It is the longest festival, lasting over two weeks. Honoring Goddess Durga, this festival of Nepal symbolizes the victory of bad over evil. Dashain brings families together. It is celebrated by putting on a tika and receiving blessings from elders.
The first day is Ghatasthapana, where people keep Jamara, and the celebration intensifies during the seventh day, Ghatasthapana. Falling in September or October, this season is also called the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of Nepal.
As mentioned, the Dashain festival in Nepal is celebrated for 15 days. Among all of them, the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and fifteenth have the most religious significance. Schools and offices close during this time, and Nepalese markets are filled with people shopping for gifts and food to celebrate the festival.
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Importance of Dashain Festival In Nepal
Holding both cultural and religious significance, a celebration of Dashain means celebrating the victory of good over evil. Mahishasura was a devil who was killed by Durga in a continuous battle of 10 days. It is said that in those nine days, Durga took nine different forms to defect this devil. People worship and perform rituals seeking blessings for protection and prosperity as a religious significance.
- Dashain brings families together as you meet your long-distance relatives and enjoy cuisine together while strengthening familial ties.
- People clean their homes, decorate them with lights and flowers, and even buy new clothes, symbolizing a fresh start, renewal, and purification.
- Elders put tika on the foreheads of younger family members, along with Jamara, passing blessings and good fortune.
History of Celebrating Dashain In Nepal
In Puranas, Dashain recounts the triumph of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasur. Mahisasur was granted a boon by Brahma that neither god nor man could kill him. He started a war against the gods, causing devastation in Devaloka. Gods were unable to defeat him, so Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva decided to create a powerful woman, Durga. For nine days, Durga battled Mahisasur. Ultimately, on the 10th day, Durga used her Chakra, marking her victory.
Similarly, in the Ramayana, another origin of Dashain is seen in the story of Lord Ram’s victory over Rawan, who was the evil king of Lanka. After Rawan kidnaps Sita, Lord Ram has a long battle to rescue his wife. With the help of goddess Durga, Ram was able to kill Rawan and restore peace. Both of these victories are celebrated during Dashain, symbolizing the defeat of evil and the unity, happiness, and joy that follow the triumph of righteousness.
When Is Dashain Celebrated in 2024?
Wondering when Dashain will be celebrated in Nepal in 2024? If so, here are the details of this major festival to be celebrated. You can make your plan based on these dates and your convenience.
- Ghatasthapana – Ashoj 17 (October 03)
- Fulpati – Ashoj 24 (October 10)
- Astami – Ashoj 25 (October 11)
- Nawami – Ashoj 25 (October 11)
- Tika (Bijay Dashami) – Ashoj 26 (October 12)
- Kojagrata Puja – Kartik 01 (October 17)
How People Celebrate Dashain In Nepal?
As Dashain is the biggest festival in Nepal for all people, mainly Hindus, there are certain rituals associated with it. Starting off with cleaning the house, people will also decorate it and make it welcoming and bright. During Dashain, they celebrate Goddess Durga. For this, they will place Durga in their home and worship her for continuous 15 Days. Or, as an alternative, they will visit the nearby temple and worship her. The homes are filled with excitement for the upcoming days.
In Ghatasthapana, many people keep jamara in their homes. On the 7th day, Saptami, people celebrate the festival by sacrificing goats. Bringing people together, on the 10th day of the festival, people will receive tika and jamara from elders. The remaining five days are celebrated by visiting the homes of their relatives, seeking blessings for a good and happy life.
Also, in each home of the relative you visit, you share gifts while enjoying the time together and sharing laughter and meals. Children love to fly kites, and you might see swings made from bamboo in many villages and towns. It is a time for joy, laughter, and coming together to celebrate victory and happiness. Also, people play Linge Ping and celebrate the overall festival with happiness. No matter which part of Nepal you visit, the aroma of ‘Vijaya Dashami’ is found.
15 Days of Dashain
The 15 days of Dashain are filled with religious rituals, celebrations, and family gatherings, each day holding its own significance:
Ghatasthapana: Symbolizing the start of Dashain, the first day marks the beginning of Dashain. People will plant Jamara in their homes.
Dwitiya to Shasthi: On the second day of the Dashain festival, people begin preparing for the upcoming rituals by cleaning homes and temples.
Fulpati: Signifying the start of the festival, from Fulpati, people start to decorate their homes with these flowers. Also, many sacrificed goats.
Maha Ashtami: The eighth day is considered one of the most important, with large offerings and animal sacrifices made to Durga for blessings.
Maha Navami: People worship tools, vehicles, and weapons, asking for protection and success in work and life.
Dashami: On the main day of Dashain, elders put tika (rice mixed with yogurt and red powder) on the foreheads of younger family members as a blessing.
Ekadashi to Chaturdashi: Families continue visiting relatives to exchange blessings and celebrate the bond between generations.
Kojagrat Purnima: The final day ends with the full moon, when people stay awake to celebrate prosperity and wealth, often by worshipping goddess Laxmi.
Visiting Nepal During Dashain
Dashain is considered to be the perfect time for you to explore Nepal. Falling just after the monsoon season ends, Dashain marks an ideal time for you to visit Nepal. You will get clear skies, warm temperatures, and stable weather no matter which place you stop by. Trekking during the Dashain in Nepal will also be worth trying, and it will not just involve visiting the lower region of Nepal. The hills and mountain region of Nepal not only provide you with natural beauty but also with a chance for cultural immersion.
Also, during Dashain, you will see all the homes and streets beautifully decorated, enhancing your experience. You can also make a short stop at the temples and seek blessings there. You can witness traditional customs, experience Nepali hospitality, and celebrate with the locals. Traveling to Nepal during Dashain also allows you to see unique traditions. You can indulge yourself in activities like kite flying and animal sacrifices. Although some shops and businesses may close for the holiday, the cultural experience and the natural beauty you get are rich.
The Popular Destinations To Celebrate Dashain In Nepal
If you are planning on visiting Nepal during this Hindu festival, there are many places you can visit by. Some of the popular places you can stop by include:
Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, and celebrating Dashain in this bustling city can be a cherry on top. You can visit temples like Swayambhunath and Durbar Square, which hosts many vibrant rituals and cultural events. Also, the markets are bustling, and you can also try many Nepali cuisines here.
You can also check : Kathmandu Valley Tour
Pokhara
After Kathmandu, Pokhara is another bustling city where you can experience the Dashain festival with peace and scenic beauty. The most popular spot in Pokhara is the lakeside. With many cafes, restaurants, and temples, you can celebrate Dashain while also enjoying stunning lake and mountain views.
Annapurna Region
Not just voting bustling cities, exploring the remote region of Nepal will also give you with the same experience. Some of the popular spots you can explore in this region are Annapurna Circuit Trek or Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Those traditional villages and stunning mountain views not only offer you a capturing screen but also a huge chance to experience the unique traditions of the Himalayas.
Everest Region
Everest region is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal. You can either visit the Everest Base Camp trek or take a short Panorama trek. No matter what your choice is, you can have a great experience of local Sherpa culture. Celebrating Dashain while also witnessing the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, can be a unique experience you can have in Nepal.
Dashain, Best Time To Explore The Beauty Of Nepal
As already stated, exploring Nepal during Dashain is perfect for you. But here is a brief reason why you should make a visit to this beautiful country during the festive season:
- Dashain offers you a rich cultural experience. You will witness Nepali traditions, which showcase vibrant rituals, traditional music, and family gatherings.
- Falling in the Autumn season, you will get clear skies, mild temperatures, and stunning views of the Himalayas, no matter which place you visit.
- You will get a chance to enjoy some authentic Nepali dishes such as sel roti, khasi ko masu (goat meat), and many more.
- Most of the people are engaged in festivals and visiting popular spots like temples and heritage sites. Thus, you will get the less crowded trekking trails, which will give you a peaceful retreat.
- As the monsoon season is over, you will also witness landscapes that are lush, rivers full, and mountains gleaming under clear skies.
Conclusion
Overall, Dashain in Nepal is the most important and longest festival you can celebrate with your families and relatives. As this festive symbolizes the victory of good over evil, it also brings people together. They celebrate it with Tika and Jamara while sharing meals and laughing together. Not just offering you cultural significance, visiting Nepal during this season also offers you the natural beauty of Nepal. Visit Nepal during Dashai; you can indulge in its culture, traditions, and scenic beauty, whether you are a local or a visitor.
FAQs
What are the things used in the Dashain festival?
The most common things people will use in Dashain are Tika, made with a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion, and Jamara which is a barley grass. Also, you will find other common things, such as swings made of bamboo, kites, and musical instruments for celebrations.
How do you celebrate the Dashain festival?
You can celebrate Dashain by cleaning and decorating homes, worshipping goddess Durga, and performing rituals. Bringing families together, you will also exchange blessings and receive tika and Jamara from elders. Dashain is the best festive day you can celebrate with the utmost joy.
What is the main food of Dashain?
Dashain’s main foods are meat dishes, especially mutton, and chicken, along with rice, lentils, and traditional curries. One special dish, Sel Roti, is also prepared in many houses.
What gift to give someone for Dashain?
You can give various gifts, from new clothes and sweets to fruits, and show gestures of good fortune and blessings. Also, giving money after putting on a tika is a ritual most people do. You can also offer handmade items or home-cooked meals as a sweet gesture.
What is the most important day of Dashain?
The most important day of Dashain is the 10th day, Vijaya Dashami. On this day, you will put tika and Jamara from your elders, seeking blessings and prosperity. Also, this day marks the victory of the goddess Durga over Mahisasura.
Is Dashain a good time to trek in Nepal?
Yes, Dashain is the best time to visit Nepal for trekking. Some popular trekking spots include Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. The weather during this season is clear, and the temperature is moderate, giving you the ideal time for experiencing both the traditions and natural beauty of Nepal.
Will tourist attractions be open during Dashain?
Yes, most of the tourist attractions in Nepal are open during Dashain. However, you can expect some of the small restaurants, shops, and local businesses to remain closed. Also, every educational institution ni Nepal is given a holiday during this major festival.
