Nepal has been highly regarded as the land of gods and goddesses since ancient times. According to various Hindu mythological traditions, this nation is believed to be divinely blessed by the Supreme Divine Power. It is believed that you will get all your wishes fulfilled if you pay a visit to the shrines of this nation. Moreover, throughout the year, the nation celebrates festivals of different kinds. Among the many festivals in Nepal, the Dashain Festival is the biggest of them all. It is also the only festival when the government provides the longest holiday. The celebration of this festival is done to mark the victory of virtue over sin.
Dashain festival is also known as Vijaya Dashami. It is celebrated by Hindus in Nepal and the Nepalese diaspora worldwide. Similarly, the festival has different names and different styles of offering puja (prayers) among Hindus in India, Myanmar, & Bhutan. People from these parts of the world celebrate the festival in the name of Dussehra.
What is the Dashain Festival?
Dashain is the celebration of the victory of good over evil beings. It also represents the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasura. According to Hindu scriptures, the demon wreaked havoc in heaven (Devlok, a place where gods live). To free the people and gods from his terror goddess, Durga killed the demon. There is another myth behind the celebration of this festival. It is also celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Ram over Ravan.
There is a total of 15 days of festive celebration but significant days are 10 days. However, people get the official holiday of 6 days. Schools & Colleges remain closed for 10 – 15 days. The most significant days during this festival are as follows:
1st Day: Ghatasthapana
7th Day: Fulpaati
8th Day: Ashtami
9th Day: Navami
10th Day: Dashami
15th Day: Kojagrat Purnima
Importance of Dashain Festival
This festival is very significant to Nepalese people, regardless of their religion. Therefore, it goes beyond religious practices. It shows a great deal of religious harmony among Nepalese people. However, the rituals are performed only by Hindus.
People who are far from their homes return to their families and rejoice together. The festival also symbolizes the traditions of Nepal. The tradition of respecting elders and blessing the young is what makes this festival the most important to Hindus.
The festival is equally important as the economic activities. People buy various apparel for home appliances during the festival. The market keeps on buzzing during the festival. Therefore, it has huge importance in terms of economic activities too.
As for the holiday goers, the festival provides a long holiday. Longer holidays mean more chances of traveling as well. Therefore, the festival contributes to the tourism industry too.
When is the Dashain Festival celebrated?
The festival falls in the month of Ashwin according to the Nepalese calendar, which is between September and November. During this time of the year, the climate is cool and pleasant. There are no exact dates for this festival. Every year, the dates change. Purbanga Samiti (Group of Priests) decides the dates of each year’s Dashain festival.
How is the Dashain Festival Celebrated?
Dashain Festival is celebrated by rejoicing among relatives. People fly kites, play swings and cards, and do shopping. Apart from these activities, they offer the goat sacrifice in the name of goddess Durga too. People pay a visit to various Durga temples.
day-to-day analysis of the Dashain festival and its celebration is as follows:
1st Day: Ghatasthapana
It is the first day of Vijaya Dasami. The day marks the start of the biggest festival in Nepal. People plant the Jamara and do the Durga Thapana (creating a Dhasain Ghar inside their house). Jamara is a sacred plant that is given to the people on the 10th day of this festival as a blessing. It is sown in soil mixed with sand and cow dung. People use corn and barley seeds.
7th Day: Fulpaati
The seventh day of this festival is known as Fulpaati. In hilly areas of Nepal, the day is also called “Bato Khanne Din”. This means that on this day, people clean the road and their houses. It is to welcome the relatives who have gone far from home too.
There is a unique tradition followed by the government too. On this day, the holy Brahmin brings the royal “Falko Dashain Doli” (decorated flowers, sugarcane & Prasad) from Gorkha (the place where the unification of Nepal began) to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Nepalese Army fires guns in honor of the parade.
8th Day: Ashtami
This day is also called Maha Ashtami. On this day, devotees worship the goddess Durga. The fierce manifestation of the goddess Durga appears on this day in the form of Kali. Therefore, people sacrifice animals like goats, ducks, hens & buffaloes to the goddess.
This day is also called Kaal Ratri. People eat meat and various delicacies. Usually, the meat lasts up to the 15th day of the festival.
Nowadays, some people avoid sacrificing animals. This is due to the rising awareness regarding animal cruelty. Instead of animals, they offer various vegetables.
9th Day: Navami
On this day, the festival hits its peak. It is the last day of Navaratri and the day before Vijaya Dashami. Some castes perform the sacrificing, as in Ashtami, on this day.
Another major highlight of this day is the Bishwokarma Puja, too. On this day, people worship their machinery and equipment, including automobiles.
10th Day: Dashami
Dashami is also known as Vijaya Dashami. It is the most important day of the Dashain Festival. People queue to get Tika (rice, curd & vermillion) & Jamara on their foreheads. Elders give blessings to young ones. People meet, rejoice, and share emotional bonds. It is a proper family get-together time. They visit their relatives and exchange celebratory gifts, too.
15th Day: Purnima
This is the final day of the festival. Jamara, sown on the festival's first day, is flown into the river. It officially signifies the end of the festival. Until this day, people visit their relatives to get Tika and Jamara.
When is Dashain in 2024?
Dashain in 2024 begins on the 3rd of October and lasts until the 13th of October.
Thursday, October 3, 2024: Ghatasthapana
Thursday, October 10, 2024: Phulpati
Friday, October 11, 2024: Maha Astami
Saturday, October 12, 2024: Dashami - Tika (Main Day)
Sunday, October 13, 2024: Ekadashi
Travel during the Dashain Festival
The weather and social vibes at this time of the year are great. It is the autumn season in Nepal. Therefore, it is an ideal time to visit this great country. Apart from the natural wonders, trekkers get a huge opportunity to witness the cultural grandeur of the Nepalese people.
Visit Nepal during the festival and rejoice like the Nepalese people. Know these people culturally. It is the best way to understand the roots and traditions of the Nepalese people. Every year, lots of people visit the country during this time of the year. The vibes and hospitality are of the utmost high standard while traveling during the Dashain festival.
After week-long regular working days, Nepalese people again celebrate the second-biggest festival, Tihar. Please follow our blogs for similar kinds of information. If you want to travel during the months of the Dashain or Tihar festival in Nepal, contact our travel planners. We will create the best itinerary for you to enjoy both the natural wonders and cultural grandeur of Nepal.
