Dashain - The Biggest and Longest Festival in Nepal

Dashain Festival is among the most important Hindu celebration festival all over Nepal.  This celebration falls in September or October and is celebrated for 15 days. It begins from the splendid lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha) and closes upon the arrival of the full moon (Poornima) as indicated by the Nepalese yearly timetable. But the first 10 days are more important and religious than the last 5 days. So, we can also say that a huge celebration in Dashain is for 10 days.

Hindu's most noteworthy celebration, Dashain respects the incredible success of the divine beings over the detestable devils. The image of intensity, Goddess Durga is venerated amid this celebration.


Dashain Festival

Dashain in Nepal

On the first day, in every house, the ceremony of Ghatasthapana is performed. It is entirely a domestic observance confined to one's own household. On Ghatasthapana day,  an idol of  Bhagwati is installed for a nine-day worship. A dark room is assigned to the idol; it is known as  Dashain-Ghar. An earthen pitcher painted in white and yellow stripes represents the Kalash. Over the  Kalash, a  handful of rice is kept in a dish, and over it, is mounted the icon of Bhagwati. In a corner of the room, a  mixture of barley and maize seeds is shown with a view to having yellow seeding by the tenth day. The desired color of the sprouts is caused by covering the seeds with a vessel. The deity, mounted on the Kalash, is worshiped for all nine days.

All the arms and weapons of the household are also worshiped during Navaratra. Animal sacrifice is made daily. Goats and buffaloes for sacrifice are largely imported from the Tarai. The eighth and ninth nights are special occasions for a greater number of sacrifices. The sacrifice of a Kubindo (white pumpkin) is a substitute for animal sacrifice. 

Phoolpati is brought every year on the seventh day of Navaratra from the town of Gorkha original palace of our King. When Phoolpati is brought to the valley, its procession starts from Rani Pokhari, Queen's tank on the eighth day. This is a national event and all government officials have to be present in the procession.

In the Newar community, Maha Ashtami, the eighth day, is a great occasion, for, this is when the Phoolpati procession is taken out. Everyone looks his best and joins in the procession to receive Phoolpati which starts from an appointed place. A brahmin, donned in a yellow garment and with Phoolpati on his shoulders, awaits for being received by the procession. Phoolpati consists of a plantain tree and sugar cane together. The procession, amidst music, goes to receive Phoolpati.  

When Phoolpati arrives home, it is kept by the side of the Dashera deity. This night is known as Kalratri, the night of sacrifice. In general, Ashtami is celebrated with the worship of Devi by sacrificing Duck or Hen or Goat or Buffalo.  

Again on the ninth day, popularly known as Maha Naumi of Navratri, animal sacrifice is offered to Bhagwati. 

The tenth day is known as Vijaya Dashami (Tika), the day for putting the Tika mark. By then barley and maize seeds will have sprouted into yellow plants (Jamara) which are pulled out and used as the main item in the Tika ritual. The Tika ceremony consists in getting smeared on one's forehead a mixture of vermilion rice and curd and receiving a bunch of yellow plants (Jamara). Everyone who is junior in age should go to have Tika from the hands of his/her seniors.

Dashain Festival Celebrations in Nepal

Flying Kites
Kite-flying is viewed as an essential method to remind the divine beings not to rain any longer. Amid Dashain Festival, you'll see individuals of any age flying kites all over. Under the comfortable daylight, the unadulterated blue sky is pressed with beautiful kites of various sizes and shapes. The entire valley is inundated with lively giggling and bliss.

Family Gathering
On this festival, family unites often travel a long way to be together.

Playing Cards 
Card-playing is another approach to spending Dasain Festival. The relatives would get together and play cards while kidding with one another.

Obtaining and purchasing new cloths
Shopping and purchasing new clothes is a key piece of the Dashain Festival. The same number of individuals live in country territories, the greater part of them would just buy products and new garments in Dashain Nepali Holidays. Amid this period, the majority of the nation's stores will offer merry rebates, which makes shopping more alluring.

Playing Ping (swing)
People set up ping (swing) in the Dashain which is made by traditionally using grass rope, bamboo & wood. Ping is especially seen in Dashain in most places and can see people swinging and enjoying playing this ping.

Wish you all a very Happy Healthy and Prosperous Dashain Festival !!!
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

 

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