Dashain, also called Vijaya Dashami, is the largest and most widely celebrated Hindu festival in Nepal. It usually falls between late September and mid-October, during the bright lunar fortnight of the month of Ashwin. Lasting fifteen days, Dashain is not just a religious event—it is a national celebration that embodies cultural unity, family togetherness, and spiritual renewal. For Nepalis at home and abroad, Dashain is the time of year that feels like a reunion of hearts and traditions.
Religious and Historical Significance
Dashain is rooted in Hindu mythology. It honors the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura, who terrorized the heavens. After a fierce nine-day battle, Durga defeated Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This theme is also reflected in the Ramayana, where Lord Ram defeats the demon king Ravan with the blessings of Goddess Durga.
The festival reminds devotees that righteousness and devotion ultimately prevail. Worshiping Durga is believed to bring protection, prosperity, and courage to overcome life’s challenges.
Fifteen Days of Celebration
Dashain is celebrated over fifteen days, each with its own rituals and significance:
Ghatasthapana (Day 1): Barley seeds are sown in a clay pot to grow jamara (sacred grass) and worshiped daily as a symbol of prosperity.
Durga Puja (Days 2–6): Devotees continue daily prayers and offerings to invite blessings.
Fulpati (Day 7): Jamara and sacred flowers are carried in a grand procession to Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu.
Maha Asthami (Day 8): Animal sacrifices and special rituals honor the fierce form of Goddess Durga.
Maha Navami (Day 9): Weapons and tools are worshiped to seek skill and success.
Vijaya Dashami (Day 10): The most important day. Elders place tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) and jamara on the foreheads of younger family members, blessing them with long life, prosperity, and protection. Gifts are exchanged and relatives visit each other.
Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15): The festival concludes with worship of Goddess Laxmi, seeking wealth and good fortune.
The tika ceremony often continues for five days after Vijaya Dashami, with families visiting relatives across the country.
Social and Cultural Dimensions
Dashain is deeply embedded in Nepali life:
Family Reunions: People living in cities or abroad return to their ancestral homes.
Markets and Shopping: Streets bustle with activity as families buy new clothes, gifts, and food.
Traditional Games and Swings: Bamboo swings (ping), kite flying, and card games bring joy to children and adults alike.
Feasts and Special Foods: Meat dishes, sel roti, sweets, and fruits dominate Dashain meals, making it a season of culinary delight.
Dashain also impacts the economy, boosting demand for livestock, clothing, travel, and household goods.
Criticism and Changing Practices
Some traditional practices have sparked debate. Large-scale animal sacrifices during Maha Asthami and Maha Navami are criticized by animal rights activists and younger generations. Urban families often substitute symbolic offerings such as coconuts or pumpkins.
Excessive consumerism is another concern. Meeting expectations for new clothes, feasts, and travel can create financial pressure on families. Many advocate for simpler, more spiritually focused celebrations.
Dashain in Modern Times
Globalization and migration have changed how Dashain is celebrated. Nepalis abroad often organize smaller community events, cultural programs, and video calls with family. Social media shares photos of tika blessings and jamara, connecting people despite distance.
Digital calendars, festival apps, and online guides help the younger generation stay connected to traditions. Urban households increasingly prefer smaller, eco-friendly celebrations, blending tradition with modern life.
Symbolism and Lessons
Dashain’s core message goes beyond religion. The goddess’s victory over evil teaches that courage, unity, and faith can overcome challenges. The rituals of tika and jamara symbolize renewal and family continuity. The festival also emphasizes gratitude, generosity, and reconciliation.
Conclusion
Dashain remains Nepal’s largest and most cherished Hindu festival. It unites religious devotion, cultural heritage, and family bonds into a fifteen-day celebration that defines Nepali identity. Despite modern changes, its essence—the victory of good over evil and the strengthening of family and community ties—remains intact. For Nepalis everywhere, Dashain is more than a festival; it is a reminder of home, roots, and timeless traditions.
Celebrate Dashain With Mero Nepal App
Want to track Dashain dates, auspicious times, and cultural updates on your phone? The Mero Nepal App is your digital companion for Nepali festivals, astrology, and traditions. Whether you are in Nepal or abroad, stay connected to the culture you cherish.
