9th Aug, 2024

Dashain Festival in Nepal 2024

- Magnificent Himalayan Treks

Nepal, a land of towering mountains and serene valleys, is known for its deep spirituality. The people here believe that the gods and goddesses watch over them. Nepal celebrates many festivals throughout the year, but one stands out above the rest. It's called Dashain, and it's the biggest and most important festival in the country.

Dashain isn't just a regular festival; it's a special time that brings all Nepalese people together. During these fifteen days, they celebrate the victory of good over evil. It's a time for unity and devotion, and it's something that's been a part of Nepalese life for a very long time.

Origins of Dashain Festival

Dashain, the grand festival of Nepal, has its origins in mesmerizing myths that have been passed down through generations. These stories not only lend a sense of wonder to the festival but also add profound meaning to its celebration.

1. From the Puranas: Goddess Durga's Victory

Dashain, Nepal's grandest festival, finds its origins in the captivating story of Goddess Durga's victory over the formidable demon, Mahishasura. In this ancient tale, Mahishasura sought invincibility through a blessing from Lord Brahma, making himself immune to gods and men. He believed no woman could match his strength. However, the gods, in a desperate bid to reclaim heaven, created Durga, who wielded divine weapons from three lords - Vishnu, Shiva, and Indra.

A fierce battle unfolded over nine days, and on the tenth day, Durga's chakra beheaded Mahishasura, restoring heaven to the gods. Dashain symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, reflecting the eternal battle of good against evil. This myth, deeply rooted in Puranic traditions, adds profound meaning to the festival.

2. From the Ramayana: Ram's Conquest

Another captivating narrative contributing to Dashain's origins hails from the Ramayana, one of the most extensive ancient epics in Hindu mythology. This tale revolves around the grand battle between Lord Ram and Ravana, the formidable king of Lanka.

The epic struggle culminated in Ravana's ultimate defeat, brought about by Lord Ram, who invoked the blessings of the goddess Durga on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami. This story mirrors the timeless theme of good triumphing over evil, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. It's a tale that has transcended its origins and found resonance in various parts of India, where effigies of the demon King Ravana and his kin are ritually burned on Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the enduring battle for righteousness and celebrating Lord Ram's conquest over Ravana.

When Dashain Festival is celebrated?

The Festival falls on the months of Ashwin and Kartik 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 as it celebrated based on lunar calendar.

15 Days of Dashain: A Celebration of Nepalese Tradition and Culture

Ghatasthapana (Day 1): The festival commences with Ghatasthapana, where devotees create a sacred sand and soil altar, sowing barley, wheat, or corn seeds. This symbolic planting embodies prosperity and is cherished throughout the festival.

Days 2-6: Devotees continue to revere Goddess Durga in her various incarnations, offering prayers, and tending to the altar with the growing seeds.

Fulpati (Day 7): Fulpati signifies prosperity and abundance. A procession carries offerings like flowers, fruits, and leaves from the ancestral palace in Gorkha to Kathmandu's Hanuman Dhoka palace. Many homes perform their Fulpati rituals.

Maha Asthami (Day 8): Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this day involves fervent prayers, offerings, and animal sacrifices to seek her blessings and protection.

Maha Navami (Day 9): This day venerates Goddess Durga and her forms with more offerings and animal sacrifices. Vehicles of gods like the elephant, tiger, and bull are also honored.

Vijaya Dashami (Day 10): The pinnacle of Dashain signifies the triumph of good over evil. Families reunite, with younger members receiving Tika and blessings from elders. The three-colored Tika symbolizes power, purity, and knowledge, and it's considered an auspicious time for new beginnings.

Days 11-14: Families visit each other, exchange blessings and enjoy feasts during these days of togetherness.

Kojagrata Purnima (Day 15): The final day, Kojagrata Purnima, also known as Laxmi Puja, is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth. Devotees worship her for prosperity and celebrate the night of awakening.

Some of the important days during the celebration of Dashain are:

Day 1: Ghatasthapana

Ghatasthapana initiates Dashain, marking the festival's commencement with great significance. Families set up a sacred altar by layering sand and soil in a designated area, typically a prayer room. A Kalash, a small clay or metal pot filled with holy water, symbolizing abundance, is placed in the center. Barley, wheat, or corn seeds known as "Jamara" are sown on this altar. Daily care is given to these seeds as they sprout, representing life and prosperity.

Goddess Durga is invoked for blessings as she is the divine embodiment of power, strength, and protection. Ghatasthapana is performed at an auspicious astrological time to ensure the goddess's protection throughout the festival. The rituals and customs of this day symbolize the beginning of celebrations, invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga for a prosperous and joyful Dashain.

Day 7: Fulpati

Fulpati, on the seventh day of Dashain, is a celebration of prosperity and abundance. The day involves a vibrant procession where offerings, including flowers, leaves, fruits, sugarcane, and other elements symbolizing prosperity, are brought from the ancestral royal palace in Gorkha to Hanuman Dhoka palace in Kathmandu. Though Nepal no longer has a monarchy, the tradition is continued, with government officials participating.

Additionally, many families perform their Fulpati rituals at home, creating a Fulpati assortment, and offering prayers to gods and goddesses for prosperity and abundance. As Fulpati marks the beginning of more intense celebrations to follow, preparations for Maha Asthami and Maha Navami commence. The rituals, processions, and cultural performances strengthen community bonds and invoke blessings for a fruitful and prosperous year ahead.

Day 8: Maha Asthami

Maha Asthami, on the eighth day of the Dashain Festival, is dedicated to the fierce Goddess Kali, who embodies the destructive power of time and the force that annihilates evil. Devotees worship Goddess Kali, offer prayers, light lamps, and make offerings to seek her blessings and protection. One of the main rituals of Maha Asthami involves the offering of animal sacrifices, particularly goats, buffaloes, and chickens. These sacrifices, made in temples and household altars, symbolize the appeasement of the goddess and the surrender of ego and negative qualities. The sacrificed meat is then cooked and consumed as "Prasad," the blessed food.

The night of Maha Asthami, known as Kalaratri or "Black Night," is believed to be when the goddess Kali descends to earth in her fiercest form to eradicate evil and darkness. People light lamps, torches, and bonfires, engaging in various religious and cultural activities throughout the night. Additionally, weapons and tools used in various professions are worshipped on Maha Asthami for blessings, safety, and effective use.

Day 9: Maha Navami

Maha Navami, the ninth day of the Dashain Festival, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various manifestations. Devotees worship Goddess Durga in her diverse forms, offer prayers, light lamps, and make offerings to seek her blessings and protection. Similar to Maha Asthami, animal sacrifices are an essential part of the Maha Navami rituals. Goats, buffaloes, and chickens are offered as sacrifices in temples and household altars, symbolizing the surrender of ego and negative qualities. The sacrificed meat is then cooked and consumed as "Prasad," the blessed food. Maha Navami is also associated with the worship of the vehicles of various gods and goddesses, such as the elephant (Ganesha's vehicle), the tiger (Durga's vehicle), and the bull (Shiva's vehicle).

This practice is believed to ensure safety and protection during travel. Worship of tools, instruments, and equipment used in various professions is also performed on Maha Navami to seek blessings for their effective and safe use. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking divine guidance and protection in overcoming life's challenges and achieving success in various aspects of life.

Day 10: Vijaya Dashami

Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of the Dashain Festival, is the main day of celebration. It commemorates the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Goddess Durga defeating the demon Mahishasura and Lord Rama vanquishing the demon king Ravana. On this day, family members gather, and younger ones receive Tika and blessings from their elders. Tika is a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion applied to the forehead as a blessing. Along with Tika, elders give "Jamara," which are the sprouted barley, wheat, or corn seeds that were sown on Ghatasthapana. These blessings symbolize the transfer of power, strength, wisdom, and good fortune from the elders to the younger generation.

Family reunions are an essential part of the celebration, with people exchanging greetings, blessings, and enjoying festive feasts. Kite flying is a common activity that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Cultural programs, dance performances, and music events are organized, showcasing the rich and vibrant culture of Nepal. Many people believe that Vijaya Dashami is an auspicious day to start new ventures, businesses, or projects, initiating tasks for success and prosperity. Overall, Vijaya Dashami is the highlight of the Dashain Festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. It emphasizes the victory of good over evil, family unity, and togetherness.

Day 15: Kojagrata Purnima

Kojagrata Purnima, the fifteenth and final day of the Dashain Festival, is also known as "Laxmi Puja" or "Sharad Purnima." This day is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Devotees worship Goddess Laxmi by offering prayers, lighting lamps or incense, and making offerings like flowers, fruits, and sweets. It is believed that the goddess visits and blesses those who keep their homes and hearts open for her arrival, bestowing wealth, prosperity, and good fortune upon them.

"Kojagrata" means staying awake, and on this night, devotees remain awake, engaging in various religious, cultural, and social activities. People sing, dance, play games, and share stories, celebrating the blessings of Goddess Laxmi and the completion of the Dashain Festival. Special food and drinks are enjoyed, including traditional sweets like "Sel Roti" and "Anarsa," as well as a special milk-based pudding called "Kheer," symbolizing the sweetness and abundance of life. Kojagrata Purnima marks the end of the Dashain Festival, celebrating wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, while emphasizing the importance of seeking divine blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life and expressing gratitude for the blessings received.

Celebration of Dashain in Nepal

During the Dashain Festival in Nepal, people enjoy their time through a combination of religious, cultural, and social activities that foster a sense of togetherness and celebration. Here's how people enjoy their time during Dashain:

1. Family Reunions

Dashain brings families together. Loved ones, both near and far, reunite in their ancestral homes and hometowns. It's a time for laughter, storytelling, and creating cherished memories. Family members bond, catch up on each other's lives, and reconnect in a meaningful way.

2. Religious Observance

Devotees take part in rituals that connect them to their spiritual roots. Visiting temples, making offerings, and participating in prayers instill a sense of peace and devotion, bringing joy and fulfillment to their hearts.

3. Tika and Blessings

The tradition of elders applying Tika on the foreheads of younger family members is a heartwarming moment. It symbolizes the passing of blessings, wisdom, and love from one generation to the next. This exchange generates feelings of respect and gratitude.

4. Feasting

Dashain is synonymous with indulgent feasting. Families prepare and enjoy mouthwatering dishes, fostering a sense of celebration and satiety. The act of sharing meals with loved ones is a source of joy and contentment.

5. Kite Flying

Kite flying is an exhilarating activity during Dashain, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie among friends and family. It adds a dose of playfulness to the festival, and the sky is filled with colorful kites, delighting participants.

6. Cultural Programs

Cultural events, music, dance, and artistic performances showcase Nepal's rich heritage. People relish these performances as they take pride in their cultural identity and traditions, creating a sense of cultural appreciation.

7. Visiting Relatives

A cherished tradition, visiting the homes of relatives creates a sense of community. It allows people to reconnect with extended family members and exchange blessings, making it a delightful experience.

8. Exchange of Gifts

Gifting items to loved ones is a delightful gesture during Dashain. It expresses love and appreciation, making both the giver and receiver feel valued and cherished.

9. Playing Card Games

Card games offer light-hearted fun during the festival. Family and friends engage in friendly competition, laughter, and bonding while playing traditional card games.

10. Staying Awake on Kojagrata Purnima

On the fifteenth day of Dashain, staying awake is an exciting tradition. People participate in lively activities like singing, dancing, and playing games, creating an atmosphere of merriment and unity.

The enjoyment during Dashain comes from a combination of religious devotion, cultural traditions, and quality time spent with loved ones. It's a time when people come together to celebrate, share their blessings, and strengthen their relationships, making it one of the most cherished festivals in Nepal.

When is Dashain in 2024?

Dashain festival in Nepal in 2024 begins on the 3rd of October and lasts until the 16th of October.

Ghatasthapana : Thursday, 3rd October 2024
Phulpati : Thursday, 10th October 2024
Maha Ashtami : Friday, 11th October 2024
Maha Navami : Friday, 11th October 2024
Vijaya Dashami : Saturday, 12th October 2024
Kojagrata Purnima : Wednesday, 16th October 2024

Places to visit during Dashain

Dashain is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Nepal, and it's a great time to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the country. Here are some popular places to visit during Dashain:

1. Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal is a cultural and historical hub. During Dashain, you can visit ancient temples and take part in various religious and cultural events. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Pashupatinath are must-visit places.

For more details: Kathmandu City Tour

2. Annapurna Base Camp

This trek in the Annapurna region offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Nepal.

For more details: Annapurna Base Camp Trek

3. Everest Base Camp

For more adventurous travelers, trekking to Everest Base Camp can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The festive season adds an extra layer of cultural significance to the journey.

For more details: Everest Base Camp Trek

4. Pokhara

Known for its serene lakes and stunning mountain views, Pokhara is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Nepal. During Dashain, you can experience local festivities and explore nearby trekking trails.

For more details: Pokhara City Tour

5. Chitwan National Park

If you're interested in wildlife, Chitwan National Park is a great destination. You can go on a jungle safari to spot various species of wildlife, including rhinoceros and Bengal tigers. The local Tharu community also celebrates Dashain in a unique way.

For more details: Chitwan National Park Tour

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that during Dashain, many Nepali families return to their hometowns to celebrate with their loved ones, so you might find cultural events and celebrations happening in smaller towns and villages across the country. This can provide a more authentic experience of the festival.

If you like trekking during the Dashain festival, it's a great time to do it because you'll get to enjoy both the best trekking weather and the fun celebrations of Tihar. For a trek to Nepal during Dashain, call/Viber/WhatsApp us at +977-9808225444 or email info@magnificenthimalayan.com.