Dashain is also known as Vijaya Dashami or Durga puja in Nepal. It is the longest national festival of Nepal. This festival is celebrated by Hindus throughout the world. Usually, this festival falls in Septemeber-October month which starts on Shukla paksha or bright lunar fortnight and end on Purnima, the full moon of the lunar calendar.
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| Dashain greeting card in Nepali and English |
This festival is celebrated as the victory of the goddess Durga over Mahisashura demon. According to Hindu mythology, first, nine days of Dashain indicates the battle of Durga and Mahisashura. The tenth day is celebrated as the victory over him. Also, the festival symbolizes the convincing victory over Raman, by the Ram.
Important Days of Dashain
Day 1: Ghatasthapana
Showing Jamara marks the first day of Dashain Festival. Literally means placing of Kalash or pot filled with holy water, covered with cow dung and stitched with barley seeds. Kalasha then placed in the center of sand around which grains are seeded. It is kept away from direct sunlight which makes seedling yellow in color and it becomes about 7 inches tall on the tenth day of the festival. This Sacred grass is called Jamara. Normally the Kalash is worshiped twice a day every morning and evening. This ritual continues for seven days.
Day 7: Fulpati
In Nepal Royal Kailasha, banana stalks, jamara, and sugarcane brought from Gorkha by Brahmins to Kathmandu valley. After the majestic display by Nepalese army, fulpati used to take to Hanuman Dhoka Royal palace, now after overthrown of Royal family it goes to president residence.
Day 8: Maha Ashtami
It is the eighth day of Dashain festival. It is the symbolic representation day of fierce battle between Durga and Mahisashur. The thirsty Kali is appeased with the sacrifice of goats, buffaloes, hens and ducks in Temples. The night of the same day is called Kal Ratri (Black Night).On midnight at Dashain Ghar, 54 buffaloes and 54 goats are sacrificed. The meat then is taken home as Prasad or food blessed by divinity.
Day 9: Maha Navami
Also called the great ninth day this is the last day of Navaratri. Maha Navami is also called the demon hunting day as defeated demons try to save themselves hiding behind bodies of fowls and animals.
Vishvakarman, the god of creation is worshiped in this day. Traders, mechanics, and artisans as well as craftsmen worship their tools and vehicles and offer fowl or animal blood. It is believed that worshiping them prevents accidents throughout the year. In this day only the Taleju Bhawani temple is opened once a year.
Day 10: Bijaya Dashami
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| Tika and Jamara prepared on the 10th day of Dashain. |
It is the main day of the Dashain festival. A mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermillion is prepared to make “Tika” on the tenth day of Dashain. Elders put Tika and Jamara, that was sown on Ghatasthapana or First day of Dashain, on the forehead of younger relatives and bless them with happiness and success in upcoming years. The red color symbolizes the strong family relationships and ties. Followed by blessing the elders give Dakshina or a small amount of money. In some caste, this continues till the Purnima, the full moon. During this period relatives and family members visit each other and exchange gifts, and greetings. This ritual is believed to strengthen relationships to a great extent.
Festive Atmosphere during Dashain festival
- Traveling: All schools and offices remain closed for about 15 days in Nepal during the festival and it is the best time to travel with friends and family. Find affordable hotels in Nepal, Cheap flight tickets, and best holiday attractions in Chitwan, Pokhara, Kathmandu or even Mustang.
- Flying of kites: to remind god not to send any more rain
- Playing cards: for fun and getting together
- Buying/wearing new clothes: As many people are below the poverty line they buy clothes in Dashain as a special occasion.
- Bamboo swings: Also called ping in Nepali. Ping is constructed by community members and made up of ropes, bamboo sticks, woods, etc. They are particularly popular among children.
- Dashain fairs and celebrations: For entertainment and get together, to promote sales and advertisement.
- Animal slaughtering: Thousands of animals like goat, sheep, ducks, and buffalo are slaughtered as it is believed that goddesses are pleased by such sacrifices. Goat meat is the most popular among them. However, animal rights activists are against animal cruelty. Some also suggest cutting pumpkin as an animal replacement.
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| Dashain greeting card |
Find more about the Nepal holidays.
