Dashain Festival
Dashain, also known as Bijaya Dashami, is the grandest, longest and most auspicious festival in Nepal. It takes place in Nepali Ashiwin month (September to October in Solar Calendar) and lasts for 15 days. This is the longest Hindu festival in Nepal, traditionally celebrated for two weeks with prayers and offerings to Durga, the Universal Mother Goddess. The great harvest festival of Nepal, Dashain is a time for family reunions, exchange of gifts and blessings, and elaborate pujas. Dashain honors the Goddess Durga, who was created out of the shakti or energy of all the gods, armed with weapons from each of them.
What is Dashain
Dashain (also pronounced as Dashain) is the longest and most celebrated festival in Nepal. Dashain has its different names. It is called Dashain, Vijaya Dashami and Dahsera. The way of celebration and name differs, but most Nepali celebrate it for about 15 days with same zeal and enthusiasm.Dashain is the celebration of victory of good over evil. This festival symbolizes that good always prevail over bad.
What are the days in Dashain called
The first day of this festival starts from Ghatasthapana. The “Dashain Ghar”, or special worship room, is set up, to start pooja of Durga Bhawani. This room is used to plant barley called Jamara in Nepali and to worship the Astha-Matrikas (the 8 tantrik Goddesses) as well as the Nava Durgas (the 9 Goddess Durga) for remaining 9 days. (All these 9 days have their own importance in Dashain celebration). Barley is sowed in sand brought from river, and the barley is called Jamara when it is grown. These seeds will sprout in ten days. The sprouts, which symbolize a good harvest, will be decoratively placed on the heads of family members later on in the festival as a blessing.
Day 1 Ghatasthapana: Sowing holy Jamara
Day 7 Fulpati: Presenting sacred flowers
Day 8: Maha Asthami: Slaughtering the livestock
Day 9: Maha Navami: Visiting Taleju Temple
Day 10: Vijaya Dashami: Receiving Tika from the elder relatives
Day 15: Kojagrata Purnima: Worshiping the goddess of wealth and luck
What are the stories behind Dashain celebration
Victory of Ram Chandra over Ravan (Rawana)
King Ram Chandra, whose wife Sita was kidnapped by King Rawan, with the help of hanuman and its military,conquered Rawan on the tenth day, after regular worship of Durga Bhawani for 9 days. The 10th day is the victory day. Therefore, we worship Durga Bhawani for 9 days and 10th day, make dummy of Ramwan and burn it symbolizing the end of evil. We put tika on our forehead as prasad of victory.
Victory of Durga Mata over Mahishasur
Demons, or Asuras, became very powerful and ambitious and continually tried to defeat the Devas, or Gods, and capture Heaven. One Asura, Mahishasur, in the form of a bull, grew very powerful and created havoc on the earth. Asuras started defeating the Devas and chasing them away from the haven. The world was crushed under Mahishasura’s cruelty; the Devas put their energy together and form a Shakti, a single mass of incandescent energy, to kill Mahishasur.
A very powerful band of lightning emerged from the mouths of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and a young, beautiful female virgin with ten hands appeared. All the Gods gave their powers and special weapons to her. This Shakti blended to form the goddess Durga. With her vehicle riding on a lion, Durga Bhawanu, fought Mahishasur. The battle raged for nine days and nights. Finally, on the tenth day of Ashvin shukla paksha, Mahishasur was defeated and killed by Durga. This is the day of celebration.
Celebrations in Dashain Festival
Tourists can experience Nepal religious culture and traditional customs by attending the various kinds of celebrations, like Dashain flying kites, Dashain cards, etc.
Dashain flying kites
Kite-flying is regarded as an important way to remind the gods not to rain anymore. During Dashain Festival, you’ll see people of all ages flying kites everywhere. Under the cozy sunshine, the pure blue sky is packed with colorful kites of different sizes and shapes. The whole valley is immersed in cheerful laughter and happiness.
Playing cards in Dashain
Card-playing is another way to spend Dashain Festival. The family members would get together and play cards while joking with each other.
Purchasing and buying new clothes
Shopping and buying new clothes are a key part of Dashain Festival. As many people live in rural areas, most of them would only purchase goods and new clothes in Dashain Nepali Holidays. During this period, almost all of the country’s stores will offer festive discounts, which makes shopping more attractive.
Playing on the swings and ferris wheels
Different types of exhibitions and festivities will also be held during Nepal’s biggest festival. Ferris wheels and traditional swings will be organized in small bazaars to entertainment the masses. And you’ll come across commercial exhibitions in the cities.
