The festive season is on! The countdown for the Nepalese people’s most awaited Dashain festival has finally finished. And, on this auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami and Deepawali, we wish you and your entire family health, wealth, peace and prosperity. According to lunar calendar, the festival falls on Thursday, October 3 2024, to Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
Enjoy the time of togetherness with your family. May your life be filled with happiness and joy!
HAPPY VIJAYA DASHAMI AND DEEPAWALI 2081|2024 Nepal Intrepid Treks family
Dashain – A Delightful Festival
Dashain is a festival of delight. It is one of the auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindu people in Nepal. Also known as Bijaya Dashami, the festival is a season of spirituality and togetherness. During this festival, all schools, colleges, and offices remain closed. People head towards their hometown to spend the festival with their family and loved ones. The festival has high significance in Hindu culture. To date, it is one of the biggest festivals in Nepal celebrated by a large number of the population.
Dashain mostly falls from September to November. It starts from the bright lunar fortnight (Sukla Pakshya of Ashwin as per Nepalese calendar) and ends in Purnima (the full moon day). It is a 15-day long festival where each day is celebrated by performing different rituals.
As per Hindu mythology, a demon named Mahisasur who spread terror in the world was killed by Goddess Durga. The first nine days of the festival is “Navaratri”. It marks the constant battle between demon and gods. The tenth day represents the victory of good over evil where Goddess Durga gained victory over demons by killing Mahisasur. In these nine days, people worship different forms of Goddess Durga.
They visit different Shakti piths (temples of goddesses) and perform puja and aarti. Some people perform fasting for whole nine days and devote themselves to the worship of the goddess Durga. Though Dashain is a Nepalese festival, the festival is also celebrated around the world in different styles. In India, it is celebrated as Dusshera where Goddess Durga is worshipped for nine days. The festival is common amongst the people of the Hindu community.
Important Days of Dashain
Ghatasthapana – It marks the first day of Dashain. On this day, people start the puja of Goddess Durga. With the initiation of puja, people collect sand and soil in a vessel and sow maize/barley seeds. The vessel is then covered and worshipped for the whole nine days of Navaratri.
Fulpati – It is the seventh day of Dashain. On this day, full – “flowers and plants” are brought to home and placed near the worship place in the house.
Mahaasthami – It is the eighth day of Dashain. On this day, people sacrifice buffalos, goats, ducks and hens in the name of Goddess Kali, the violent form of Goddess Durga. The meat is then taken by people as Prasad (holy offering). The night is also referred to as Kal Ratri – the darkest night.
Mahanavami – It is the ninth day of Dashain. On this day, mechanics, craftsmen, traders, etc. worship their tools and equipments. Even people worship the machinery items and vehicles in their houses.
Vijaya Dashami – it is the tenth day of Dashain and is one of the important days. On this day, people i.e. family members gather together. The younger people receive tika (mixture of rice, yoghurt and vermilion, Jamara (the plants of barley and maize planted on Ghatasthapana) and blessings from the elder people
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Why is Dashain popular amongst people in Nepal?
Dashain is very popular amongst people due to its delightful and positive vibes. People buy new clothes, eat delicious food and enjoy some quality time with their family. Nowadays, people are busy with their day-to-day life and this festival has become a medium of togetherness. People meet their near and dear ones, receive blessings and enjoy their time playing cards and eating food. The festival is very popular amongst children because they get new clothes, they will get an opportunity to play swings and get dakshina (money) along with blessings from their elders.
So, Dashain as a whole is an energetic festival. It brings positive vibes of happiness and togetherness amongst the people. If you want to be a part of this festival, then come join with Nepal Intrepid Treks! We arrange a wonderful trip to Nepal that includes celebration of this suspicious festival – Dashain. -
What is the Dashain Festival Celebration?
The Dashain Festival Celebration is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Nepal. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil, symbolized by Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahisasur. Dashain is a gathering of family, religious rituals, and joyful celebrations.
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When is Dashain celebrated in Nepal?
Dashain typically falls between September and November, following the lunar calendar. It begins with Ghatasthapana and ends on the full moon day known as Purnima.
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What happens on Vijaya Dashami?
Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of the Dashain Festival Celebration, is when families gather for the tika ceremony. Elders apply tika to younger family members, offering blessings for good fortune, health, and success.
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Why do people worship tools on Mahanavami?
On Mahanavami, people worship their tools, vehicles, and machinery to show gratitude for the equipment that helps them in their daily work. This tradition emphasizes the importance of tools and technology in everyday life.
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Why do children enjoy the Dashain Festival Celebration?
Children love the Dashain Festival because they get new clothes, money from elders, and the chance to participate in fun activities like swinging on traditional bamboo swings and flying kites.
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How can I experience the Dashain Festival in Nepal?
To experience the Dashain Festival, you can join Nepal Intrepid Treks for a guided tour that includes festival highlights, cultural immersion, and exploration of Nepal’s natural beauty.
The Dashain Festival Celebration is a rich cultural event that brings people together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Its significance in Nepali culture extends beyond religious devotion, fostering a sense of community, joy, and togetherness. If you’re eager to explore Nepal during this festive season, let Nepal Intrepid Treks guide you through an unforgettable journey, where tradition meets celebration in one of the most vibrant festivals in the world.