Dashain festival in Nepal is the greatest festival of Hindus and is widely celebrated in Nepal. This festival marks the victory of the good over evil. During the Dashain celebration in Nepal, families reunite in one place and celebrate this annual festival. This festival is also a symbol of the unity of community bonding.
Dashain meaning is victory tenth in general term. In brief, the word dashain is derived from the sanskrit word "Dasha,” meaning ten, that refers to the ten days of celebrations of the festival’s main celebrations. The word that joins dashain is Vijaya, which means victory. The whole naming of the festival connects with the story in which Durga wins over evil.
Dashain Fest is grandly celebrated all over Nepal. During the Nepal festival Dashain, it is mandatory for people to return their ancestral homes. Families exchange Dashain cards and gifts, engage in elaborate feasts, and take part in traditional games like kite flying and card playing.
The grand Dashain festival 2024 cannot be explained in a couple of paragraphs. So, to know more about Dashain festival in Nepal 2024, keep reading this blog till the end.
Importance of Dashain festival in Nepal
There is huge importance of celebrating Dashain festival in Nepalese society. It is deeply rooted in Nepali religion and culture. This festival represents an auspicious occasion when families reunite and bond with each other. After the long days of the separations, all the family members gather in their ancestral homes.
The main day of the dashain is Vijaya Dashami, which occurs in 10 days of the festival. On this day, elders apply tika to the forehead of the younger member of the family. This symbolizes blessings and protection. This ritual shows the real importance of Dashain. This ritual conveys respect and strengthens the bonds between generations.
In addition, people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate the Dashain festival; this is one of the greatest positive things about Dashain Festival. From the above words, we can say that this annual event brings families together, strengthening social bonds, and fostering a spirit of inclusivity and reconciliation.
History of Dashain festival in Nepal
Dashain history is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. A powerful demon named Mahishasura who has ability to change the forms terrorized the gods. He was granted a boon by lord Brahma, that made him invulnerable to defeat by any man or god. The demon was disturbing the peace of universe. Then, the gods united their energy to create Durga a powerful goddess equipped with the weapons from each deity.
The battle between Durga and Mahishasura lasted for nine days. After a fierce battle, Goddess Durga got victory over Mahishasura. On the occasional day of the victory, the main day, Vijaya Dashami, is celebrated. This emphasizes the empowerment of feminine energy in overcoming malevolent forces.
Other mythological stories about Dashain in Nepal
There is another story related to the Dashain Celebrations in Nepal. According to Hindu’s holy book, Ramayana, the Lord Rama (avatar of Lord Vishnu) sought the blessing from Durga before engaging in the battle with the demon king, Ravana. The demon king Ravana has abducted Rama’s wife, Sita.
Rama's victory over Ravana is also commemorated during Dashain, just like Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. This auspicious occasion in Hindu mythology links the festival to righteousness and divine intervention.
When is Dashain celebrated in Nepal?
This year, 2024, the Dashain festival is celebrated from October 3rd to October 16. The festival lasts for 10 days. It starts with Ghatasthapana, which falls on October 3 and ends in Kojagrat Purnima, which falls on October 16. The main day of the festival, which is Vijaya Dashami, falls on October 12.
How is Dashain celebrated in Nepal?
Dashain Festival 2081 is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across the country. There are several days of festival celebrations associated with the different rituals and associations. The main celebration days are 10 days of Dashain. In terms of Dashain greeting card distributions, some organizations distribute the cards prior to the Dashain program. While some people distribute the Happy Dashain greeting card or Happy Dashain card when people are Celebrating Dashain.
During the celebrations, Dashain decorations are done. Homes are adorned with fresh flowers. Pictures or idols of deities are displayed in homes. In addition, the cultural activities and traditional music also contribute to the festive atmosphere. Below is the brief description of Dashain celebrations (events) in Nepal.
- Ghatasthapana
Ghatasthapana is the first day of Dashain celebrations in Nepal. It marks the beginning of the 15-day celebrations of Dashain in Nepal, along with the various rituals and customs. On this day, the prayer room is cleaned, and a sacred sand and soil altar is created. At the heart of the altar, Kalash (a small clay or metal pot filled with holy ater and covered with cow dung) is put.
Then, the seeds of barley, wheat, or corn are sown on the surface of the altar. The seeds are cared for, watered daily along with rituals and kept in a dark place till the tenth day of Dashain celebrations. The grown-up plant is called jamara and is plugged during the tika jamara ceremony.
- Fulpati
Fulpati is one of the special occasions celebrated on the seventh day of the Dashain Festival. The day is associated with bringing nine sacred plants into homes. It is believed that the flowers invite the blessings from the deities represented by these plants. The flowers or plants are rice stalks, banana plants, turmeric, pomegranate, wood apple, Ashoka, ginger, Jayanti, and manabriksha. Each plant is associated with a specific goddess.
- Maha Ashtami
Maha Astami is the eighth’s day of the Dashain festival in Nepali society. This day is dedicated to Goddess Durga. There are various rituals and celebrations performed on this day, including animal sacrifice and Durga Puja. During animal sacrifice, goats and ducks are offered to the goddess in temples.
The other ceremonies include a prayer ceremony to worship the Durga Mata. The ceremony is conducted in homes and in temples. Devotees gather early in the morning to perform these rituals. In this ritual, foods and prayers are offered to goddess Durga for blessings.
- Maha Navami
The ninth day of the festival celebration is called Maha Nawami. Animal sacrifice is also done in some households. Those who haven’t sacrificed animals in previous days, give sacrifice of animals on this day. Devotees engage in special prayers and rituals to honor Goddess Durga. This includes lighting lamps, burning incense, and making offerings to seek her blessings and protection.
On this day, Vahan Puja (vehicle worship) is conducted. Devotees perform rituals to honor the divine carriers of various gods, such as the elephant (Ganesha's vehicle), tiger (Durga's vehicle), and bull (Shiva's vehicle). It is believed that by this practice, travel safety and protection are ensured.
- Vijaya Dashami
This day is the main day of the Dashain festival. It is also called Dashain tika day. This day symbolizes the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and Lord Rama's vanquishing of the demon King Ravana. This day is celebrated with various rituals, traditions, and festivities.
On this day, younger members of the family receive tika and jamara from their elders. This tradition symbolizes the transfer of power, strength, wisdom, and good fortune from the elders to the younger generation. Another custom involves family members swinging on Linge Ping (traditional bamboo swings) to commemorate the reunion of family members.
- Kojagrat Purnima
It is the final day of the Dashain festival. On this day, goddess Laxmi is worshipped. It is believed that goddess Laxmi comes to visit the homes at night and give blessings to those who keep their hearts and homes open to her arrival.
During this day, various food items like Sel Roti (deep-fried rice flour rings), Kheer (a special milk-based puddings) and Anarsa (sweet rice flour fritters) are prepared and shared among family members.
Dashain Foods and Delicacies
Dashain festival is also known for its rich culinary traditions. During the 15 days of festival celebrations, a variety of food items are prepared and shared among family members. Some of the popular items include Mutton Curry, Chhoila, Sekuwa, Sukuti, Mutton Kawaf, Paneer Dishes, Vegetable Biryani, Saag, Potato Dishes, Sel Roti, Achar, and so on.
Before preparations of the food, family members gather, do Dashain greetings, and then discuss what dishes to prepare. Generally, sel roti is common in all households. Feasting during the Dashain festival strengthens familial bonds and fosters a sense of belonging.
Modern trends and changes
Due to the modern changes in lifestyles, globalization, and migration, now families are separated by distance. so , to bridge this gap, virtual gathering is becoming common nowadays. Families now use mediums like Messenger, Viber, and WhatsApp to videocall and connect with their family.
Due to awareness of animal rights and vegetarianism, the number of animal sacrifices has declined but the rituals remain significant in most of the places. Nowadays, people prefer intimate celebrations with their immediate families rather than the large gatherings of their extended relatives.
The tradition of flying kites and outdoor activities has declined steadily in urban areas. It is due to lack of space. Also, the construction of traditional swings, known as ping, is becoming less common. The main concern is consumerism and materialism in the Nepalese community during the Dashain festival. People feel pressured to buy clothes, gadgets, and accessories, leading to financial strains.
Tips for Tourists Visiting Nepal During Dashain
- Book in advance as many locals return to their villages from abroad to celebrate Dashain with their families.
- It is a great time to explore heritage sites without the usual crowds so plan accordingly.
- Stay flexible to the service delays or changes due to the holiday atmosphere.
- Engage with local customs by attending Dashain pujas and community events.
- You can go for trekking or hiking, as the dashain time is best for trekking and hiking.
- Participate in events like dance performances, music concerts, and art exhibitions during Dashain.
- Respect local customs and culture and dress modestly.
- Consider visiting national parks for wildlife safaris.
Conclusion
No doubt, Dashain is the most important Hindu festival. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is widely celebrated across Nepal. This festival is celebrated for 15 days, with celebrations starting in Ghatasthapana and ending in Kojagrat Purnima. The festival brings families together and is celebrated with great joy and unity.
