Celebrating the Dashain festival in Nepal can be the cherry on the cake during your visit. Dashain is the major and the longest festival celebrated in Nepal. The Hindu community mainly celebrates this auspicious festival. Falling in the months of autumn, during September and October, this season is also considered a significant time to explore the beauty of Nepal.
It is celebrated for 15 days, starting from the bright lunar night (Sukla Paksha) of the month of Ashwin and ending on Purnima, the full moon. Among all the 15 days, the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and fifteenth have the most religious significance. All the offices and educational institutions are closed during this time of the year.
Considered the major festival celebrated in Nepal, many people from different places come together to celebrate it with their friends and family. This festival also brings together people. But you may be wondering why Dashain is celebrated. It reminisces the divine victory of good over evil. If you want to learn more about this festive season while also considering the best time to explore Nepal, this article is for you. Learn about Dashain and the major reason you should travel to Nepal during this time.
Table of Contents
Why is the Dashain Festival Celebrated?
Based on Purans
According to Hindu Scriptures, the Dashain is celebrated as a victory of good over evil. The festival begins when the goddess Durga wins the war with a demon called Mahisasur. Mahisasur, who received a boon from Brahma that no god or man could kill him, started a war against the gods. He terrorized Develoka – the world where god lives.
All gods and goddesses fight against him, but they find no way to do so. Deep down, they knew only a woman could kill him, but there was not a single powerful woman to kill Mahisasur. So, to end him, the three Lords, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, created Durga, also known as Mahadevi.
The first nine days of Dashain recollect the fierce battle between different manifestations of Durga and Mahishasura. The tenth day is the day when Durga finally slew him. She used her Chakra to behead him. Finally, the ten days of war returned heaven to god, reflecting the victory of good over bad.
Based on Ramayana
Apart from the Purans, there is another origin story of Dashain in Ramayana. The festival started to celebrate after the Lord Ram had the ultimate victory over Rawan, the evil king of Lanka. The fight was evoked when Sita was kidnapped by the Rawan, who took her to Lanka.
To protect his wife, Lord Ram declared a battle. After many days of continuous fights, Ram finally killed Rawan. Legend holds that Lord Ram triumphed over Ravan only when goddess Durga was evoked. With regards to this, Dashain is celebrated with great rejoicing. The festivals signify victory, unity, and the inception of happiness.
Importance of Dashain Festival in Nepal
Dashain is the most important and widely celebrated festival in Nepal. It majorly holds three significance: cultural, social, and religious significance. Marking the victory over evil, the festival is celebrated for Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. People worship and perform rituals seeking blessings for protection and prosperity as a religious significance.
Similarly, Dashain brings families together as people return to their ancestral homes, strengthening family bonds. Celebrating together, you can also pass traditions and values to younger generations, as they understand its values. They tend to forget about past conflicts and renew new friendships through shared meals, rituals, and celebrations as a form of social bonding.
Besides that, this festival also has a significant economic impact in Nepal. As many people tend to purchase new clothes, gifts, and festival supplies, it helps to boost local businesses. Furthermore, Dashain also coincides with the harvest season and celebrates people’s hard work. It also remarks marking the end of the monsoon season.
Overall, here is the reason why Dashain is considered to be the major festival in Nepal:
- Religious Significance
- Cultural Importance
- Social Unity
- Economic Impact
- Agricultural Connection
How is Dashain celebrated?
Are you here in Nepal to explore and witness the beauty during the festive season? The combination of the natural beauty of Nepal, along with its religious and cultural significance, can help you create unforgettable memories.
But you may be wondering how Dashain is celebrated. During Dashain, every house is cleansed and attractively decorated. The clean environment and decorations are an invitation to goddess Durga so that she may visit and bless the house with peace and prosperity.
People buy new clothes and enjoy various delicious foods. The major highlight of Dashain is Linge Ping and flying kites. Many families also celebrate it by playing cards and creating memories together. The first day of Dashain is Ghatasthapana.
Today, people store Jamara, which you put during Tika. On the 10th day, the most auspicious day, we put on the red Tika with Jamara, receiving blessings from elders. During this time, distant relatives and family reunions occur in every household.
The market is busiest all year round, with people buying new clothes, gifts, and supplies for temple offerings for gods. Meanwhile, almost all of the country’s stores will offer a heavy discount, which makes shopping even more attractive. Anywhere you go, the aroma of ‘Bijaya Dashami’ is found.
The 15 Days Of Dashain Festival in Nepal
Day 1: Ghatasthapana – Pot Establishment
Ghatasthapana marks the start of the Dashain festival in Nepal by sowing jamara (barley seeds) in a Kalash, a sacred pot symbolizing the goddess Durga. The Kalash is filled with holy water covered with cow dung, and barley seeds are sown. This ritual is performed at a precise auspicious time, determined by astrologers.
The pot is kept in a room away from direct sunlight and is watered and worshiped twice a day by a male household member. By the tenth day of Dashain, the seeds grow into yellowish grass, about six inches long, known as jamara. This holy grass is later used during the tika ceremony on the tenth day.
Days 2 to 6
From the second to the sixth day, daily rituals continue. People follow a routine of worship and preparation, maintaining the sacred atmosphere set during Ghatasthapana. The jamara seeds planted on the first day are nurtured daily, symbolizing growth and prosperity.
Day 7: Fulpati (Ful – Flower, Pati – Leaves)
Fulpati, meaning ‘flowers and leaves,’ is celebrated on the seventh day of Dashain, known as Saptami. By this time, many people have returned to their hometowns from Kathmandu to celebrate with their families. On Fulpati, people start cleaning and decorating their homes. A significant celebration occurs in Tundikhel, Kathmandu, where the Nepalese Army performs a majestic parade.
Traditionally, Magars from Gorkha carry a royal Kalash, jamara, banana stalks, and sugarcane tied with red fabric from Gorkha to Tundikhel in a three-day journey. This procession, covering about 105 miles (169 kilometers), is a centuries-old tradition. The event includes a display of the Nepalese Army and an honor firing of weapons, celebrating the arrival of Fulpati. The procession ends with the Fulpati being taken to Hanuman Dhoka Palace.
Day 8: Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Dashain, follows Fulpati and is dedicated to the goddess Kali, a fierce form of Durga. Today, people perform various rituals, including the sacrifice of livestock, to appease the goddess. The sacrifices continue until dawn. The night of Maha Ashtami is called Kal Ratri, or the night. After offering the sacrifices to the goddess, the meat is brought home as Prasad, and people have large feasts in their homes.
Day 9: Maha Navami
Maha Navami is the ninth day of Dashain, and it marks the peak of the festival’s celebrations and ceremonies. Temples dedicated to Durga and Kali are filled with devotees who come to pray and honor the goddess. The Taleju Temple, open to the public only on this day, sees thousands of worshippers.
This day is also dedicated to Viswakarma, the god of creativity. People worship tools and machinery like knives, khukuri, axes, and vehicles, believing that this ritual will protect them from accidents throughout the year.
Day 10: Vijaya Dashami
The tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami, is the most significant day of Dashain, also referred to as Dashain or Bada Dashain. On this auspicious day, elders bless the younger members of their family with tika, a mixture of yogurt, rice, red color powder, and jamara.
They also give cash or gifts. Many Buddhists participate by applying white tika and jamara. People wear new clothes, play on bamboo swings, and enjoy Ferris wheels set up in the communities. Children fly kites, adding color to the sky.
Days 11 to 14
The tika and jamara ceremonies continue as people visit relatives to exchange blessings from the eleventh to the fourteenth day. These days are filled with family gatherings, feasts, and cultural activities, maintaining the festive spirit of Dashain.
Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima
The fifteenth day, Kojagrat Purnima, marks the end of the Dashain festival. This day is celebrated on the full moon night and involves rituals dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, to seek her blessings for prosperity. Kojagrat means who is awake, and it is believed that the goddess visits homes that remain awake throughout the night. People stay up, performing rituals and celebrations, marking the conclusion of Dashain.
Moreover, the celebration creates the opportunity to reunite the family and relatives they had not seen or met for quite a while. After Dashain, everything settles back to normal. Dashain is not only the biggest festival but also the most awaited one among all the festivals in Nepal.
Bearing this in mind, the Glorious Himalaya Team couldn’t want anything more than to invite you during this joyful season. We are always ready to help you make your Nepal trip more convenient and memorable.
Why Visit Nepal During the Dashain Festival?
Visiting Nepal during Dashain can be the best adventure for you. It provides a unique cultural experience while offering a deeper understanding of Nepali traditions and lifestyles. As Dashain is the most important festival for generations, you can witness age-old traditions. Also, most of the houses during this festival are decorated. The air is filled with the sound of traditional music and the laughter of families.
You can join people at this fun festival by participating in local ceremonies, tasting delicious Nepali foods, and indulging in full activities such as flying kites or playing linge ping. The festival is also perfect for meeting with local people and sharing their customs together. Falling in the Autumn season, visiting Nepal is also perfect for all outdoor activities.
Since the temperature is moderate and the weather is clear, you can also opt for trekking, sightseeing, and exploring Nepal’s natural beauty. No matter which places you visit, the stunning views of the surroundings and distinct/close views of the Himalayas can be rewarding. No matter which corner of Nepal you celebrate this festival, your overall experience can be rewarding and memorable.
Popular Destinations during Dashain
Kathmandu Valley
If you are visiting Nepal, then the Kathmandu Valley, the capital of Nepal, can be the perfect destination for celebrating the Dashain festival. Some of the popular places you can visit include Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Exploring these places in Dashin will give you an understanding of the history and familiarize you with Nepal’s customs and traditions. We offer you a day tour of Kathmandu if you want to explore this bustling city during the festive season.
Pokhara
After Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara is another destination to celebrate the Dashain festival. Its serene atmosphere and vibrant city life make it best for you to experience the beauty and tradition together. You can celebrate Dasahin in the bustling city area or visit some of the popular places, such as World Peace Pagoda and Davis Fall, for additional enjoyment.
Exploring Phewa Lake and visiting Tal Bhairav Temple can also be a good way to celebrate the natural beauty, culture, and traditions of Nepal together. If you are in Pokhara during Dashain, then our day package tour can be for you.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Are you looking for a thrilling adventure in the Himalayas during the festive season? If so, then you can opt for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Located at 4130 meters, this trekking route takes you through the many remote and traditional villages of the Annapurna Region.
You can have a great experience in the Himalayas, which have stunning views of snow-capped mountains and the chance to experience the unique traditions of the people. Celebrating Dashain here can also give you a better understanding of people while witnessing the region’s beauty.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is another beautiful option for witnessing beauty while celebrating Dashain. Located above 5000 meters, this trek takes you to the foot of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. We offer you various Everest Base Camp trek packages if you want one during the festive season. Celebrating Dashin with friendly Sherpa people here can be the most rewarding experience. And the surrounding views of the Himalayas can add more depth to your journey.
Upper Mustang
Visiting Upper Mustang during Dashain offers a unique cultural experience. During this time, you will witness the vibrant celebrations of the Dashain festival. The local people celebrate with traditional music, dance, and rituals. You will also see the people dressed in their finest traditional attire.
You will enjoy the region’s peacefulness as you explore the arid landscapes and ancient monasteries of the Upper Mustang. Immerse yourself in the local traditions while experiencing people’s warm hospitality during Dashain.
Special Food Prepared During Dashain
If you visit Nepal during Dashain, you can experience some of the most delicious traditional Nepal dishes. Here are some of the major dishes that you can get while visiting Nepal in Dashain:
Mutton and Other Meat Dishes: Meat is the major feast you will get while visiting Nepal. Families prepare dishes like mutton curry, fried meat (sekuwa), and dried meat (sukuti). Goat meat is particularly preferred; most families even prepare them in their own homes.
Sel Roti: Sel roti is a traditional Nepali rice flour doughnut that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is deep-fried and often prepared during festivals like Dashain and Tihar. You can have this dish as a snack or dessert with tea or yogurt during your visit here.
Aaloo Tama: This is a unique Nepali dish made with potatoes (aaloo) and bamboo shoots (tama). It is cooked with various spices and sometimes includes beans. This spicy dish is also popular during the Dashain festival, and you can try it with rice or roti.
Gundruk: Gundruk is another traditional Nepali fermented leafy green vegetable. It is often prepared during Dashain and is cooked into a soup or mixed with spices to make a tangy and flavorful side dish. Having this dish during your Nepal visit can be a unique traditional experience.
Dahi-Chiura: It is a simple yet delicious dish made of beaten rice (chiura) and yogurt (dahi). It is often served with sugar or jaggery and sometimes fruits or nuts. This dish is refreshing and light, which you can opt for during the warm days of the Dashain festival.
When is Dashain in 2024?
In 2024, the Dashain festival starts on October 3rd with Ghatasthapana. This day marks the beginning of the festival. Following the days, the major festival, Vijaya Dashami, is celebrated 9 days later on October 12th. It is the most significant day celebrated by putting on a tika and receiving blessings from elders.
The festival will continue until October 17th, ending with Kojagrat Purnima. On this last day, we will worship Goddess Laxmi and seek blessings for prosperity. Finally, on the 15th day, we will end this festival. We will experience cultural rituals, traditional feasts, and the forever joyous atmosphere throughout these periods.
Travel With Glorious Himalayas During Dashain
Traveling with us, Glorious Himalayas can be the best rewarding experience for you. We assure you that your visit to Nepal will not be boring if you travel with us. Also, we offer you some packages for your Dashain visit. We never take a holiday and provide you with the best services. Also, our team of experienced people works together to ensure safe and enjoyable vacations for our customers.
We also offer carefully made itineraries that allow you to immerse yourself in Nepal’s cultural and natural wonders fully. Whether participating in local rituals, enjoying traditional dishes, or trekking through picturesque mountains, you’ll have a seamless and enriching experience. With the Glorious Himalayas, you celebrate Dashain in style and make unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most beautiful settings.
Conclusion
Overall, we recommend visiting Nepal during the Dashain festival. You will get the best cultural and natural experience of your journey during this time. Falling during autumn is the best time to visit Nepal, and you can have the best travel experience. To celebrate this festival, you can choose any destination that suits your preferences. As per our recommendation, you can make the most of your journey by celebrating it with local people. You can visit and celebrate their house by putting on a tika and getting their blessings. We guarantee there will be no boring time if you visit Nepal during this festival.
FAQs
Who is the god of Dashami?
The god of Dhasami is Goddess Durga. She was created by Lords Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Durga symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The Dashain festival is celebrated as the victory over the demon Mahishasura on the 10th day of their battle.
Is Dashami good or bad?
Dashami is good as it marks the victory of good over evil. Representing joy, blessings, and positive energy, this festival is celebrated with families. It helps to bring everyone together to share laughter and create beautiful memories.
Why is Jamara important in Dashain?
Jamari symbolizes growth, prosperity, and the blessings of goddess Durga; thus, it is important in Dashain. On the 10th day, your elders will give you jamara after putting tika. It is a traditional part of blessings which is grown from barley seeds.
Who are the people involved in Dashain?
Every family member of Nepal is involved in Dashain. They gather to celebrate together on this auspicious day. Elders bless the younger generation. Everyone from younger to older takes part in the traditional customs and celebrations.
What are the three days of Dashain called?
The 3 day of Dashain is a celebration of Chandraghanta Bhagwati. She is the 3rd form of the goddess Durga and is portrayed riding a lion. People believe that she exterminates evil forces that reside in human beings.
What is the October festival in Nepal?
The festival of October in Nepal is Dashain. Mostly celebrated by the Hindu community of the country, this is considered to be one of the most popular and important festivals. It totally lasts for 15 days and represents the victory of good over evil.
