Dashain, also known as Bijaya Dashami, is Nepal’s most important, longest, most auspicious holiday. It lasts 15 days and occurs in the Nepali Ashwin month (September to October on the Solar Calendar). Dashain, like the Chinese Spring Festival, is a national holiday commemorating the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Nepalis will celebrate the fertility of the land and a healthy harvest year in addition to worshiping Goddess Durga. Dasain, however, has underlined the value of family reunions, which can assist to alleviate societal tensions. All the government agencies, educational institutions, and other public sectors will be closed down during this festival period.
We can’t pinpoint the exact date of Dashain because the Nepal lunar calendar isn’t given one year in advance. However, it normally takes place between September and October. Nepalese, for example, took part in this lively celebration from October 12 to 26, 2015, and October 2 to 16, 2016. Please feel free to contact us for further information on Nepal Dashain this year.
Dashain, Nepal’s Biggest Festival
Dashain represents the triumph of good over evil. Once upon a time, the Goddess Durga rode the tiger and fought the demon Mahishasura with the help of 10 distinct manifestations dressed in red garments. Goddess Durga finally killed the devil and saved the entire land after a nine-day and nine-night battle. The monarch of Nepal referred to Durga as “the sacred protector” to honor her bravery. Sacrifices to the Goddess have become one of the most prominent celebratory traditions since then.
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Dashain Festival Traditions
Dashain Festival is usually celebrated for fifteen days by enthusiastic Nepalese, with the most important dates being the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth.
Day 1 Ghatasthapana, sowing holy Jamara
Ghatasthapana (sowing Jamara) coincides with the first day of the Dasain festival. People usually use a kalasha to symbolize the Goddess Durga. On this day, the kalasha is filled with holy water, then mixed with barley seeds and cow dung, finally delivered to the priest to pray for the blessings of the Goddess Durgar. After the ceremony, the kalasha will be placed in the room. Traditionally, outsiders and women are not allowed to enter. Men will worship the kalasha twice a day, one time in the morning and another at night. However, with the development of society, women also have the right to worship now. Kalasha is protected from direct sunlight and carefully watered every day. Then the seeds begin to sprout. Several days later, five or six inches long yellow grass would thrive in the kalasha. Kalasha is protected from direct sunlight and carefully watered every day. Then the seeds begin to sprout. Several days later, five or six inches long yellow grass would thrive in the kalasha.
7th day Fulpati, handing down sacred flowers
On the seventh day of the Dashain festival, the big celebration of Pulpit (holy flowers) takes place. The Brahmins would travel from Gorkha to Kathmandu carrying royal kalasha, holy jamara, banana stalks, and sugar cane bound with crimson cloth on this day. This 169-kilometer walk usually takes them three days to complete. Hundreds of government officials would attend in traditional attire to observe the king’s fulpati march. The royal dynasty was deposed in 2008, and the traditional practice was modified. The event is now being held by the president of Nepal, who has taken the position of the king.
Day 8: Maha Asthami slaughters the animals
The eighth day of the Dashain festival is a bloody day. It is conducted in honor of Kali, the Goddess Durgar’s most heinous aspect. Thousands of animals will be sacrificed at Nepalese temples on this day to worship the deity. “Black Night” is another name for this night. People will be cutting off the heads of 8 buffaloes and 108 goats in the courtyards near Durbar Square at midnight. That meat would be transported home after being sacrificed to the Goddess and given the name “Prasad.” It is also stated that eating Prasad brings good fortune.
Day 9: Maha Navami, Taleju Temple visit
The ninth day is known as Maha Navami, and it is during this day that all of the festivities and ceremonies reach their pinnacle. The Nepalese army sacrifices buffalo for official devotion on this day and prays to Durgar for indomitable bravery. Nepalis murder their sheep in order to sacrifice their own vehicles or motorcycles, while airlines have blood sprinkled on the tires of their planes in the hopes of preventing traffic accidents in the following year.
Despite these traditional practices, the modern reality of road accidents persists. In the wake of vehicular mishaps, individuals affected may find themselves in need of legal assistance. Accident lawyers play a crucial role in navigating the aftermath of such incidents, aiding victims in securing their rights and pursuing compensation for damages incurred. As we reflect on the rituals observed on Maha Navami and the symbolic sacrifices made for various reasons, it’s imperative to recognize the importance of legal recourse like https://rhllaw.com/truck-accident-lawyer/jackknife-truck-accident-lawyer/ in the face of road accidents. Seeking guidance from an experienced accident lawyer can help individuals affected by such incidents navigate the legal complexities and work towards achieving justice and compensation. Only on this day of the year will the Taleju Temples in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur be open to the public. Hundreds of people will queue to visit Taleju Temple and ask for the Goddess’ graces. Every household will eat goat meat on this night
Day 10: Vijaya Dashami, Tika from the elder relatives
A family gathering around Vijaya Dashami is a terrific idea. Greeting cards and presents will be exchanged amongst relatives and friends on this day. A Tika (red cinnabar dot) will be placed on the child’s forehead by his or her parents. When the night falls, the Kathmandu valley comes alive with spectacular parades and masked performances.
Day 15: Kojagrata Purnima, a festival dedicated to the goddess of riches and fortune
The full moon day of Kojagrata Purnima hides the conclusion of the Dashain Festival. Kojagrata literally translates to “who is awake.” Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity and luck, will visit the earth on this day to bless those who haven’t slept all night. As a result, Nepalese individuals have used it as an excuse to gamble overnight.
Dashain Festival Celebrations
Tourists can learn about Nepal’s religious culture and traditional customs by participating in various events such as Dashain kite flying, Dashain cards, and so on.
Kites are flown during Dashain
Kite-flying is viewed as a significant means of reminding the gods that it is no longer raining. Kites are flown everywhere during the Dashain Festival by individuals of all ages. The clear blue sky is crammed with colorful kites of all sizes and forms under the warm sunshine. The entire valley is filled with joyful laughter and joy.
Playing cards in Dashain Another method to enjoy the Dashain Festival is to play cards. The members of the family would get together and play cards while joking around.
Buying and selling new garments
The Dashain festival includes a lot of shopping and buying new outfits. Because so many people reside in rural areas, the majority of them would only buy new garments and products during the Dashain Nepali Holidays. Almost all of the country’s stores will offer holiday discounts during this time, making shopping more appealing.
Swinging and riding the Ferris Wheel
During Nepal’s greatest festival, a variety of exhibitions and activities will be organized. To keep the crowds entertained, tiny bazaars will be set up with Ferris wheels and traditional swings. In addition, commercial displays can be found in cities.
Dashain Festival is, in Nepalese tradition, what Christmas is to Westerners. The closing of the service industry is the largest hindrance for foreign visitors who want to attend this grand festival. Your expenses must be significantly more than usual, especially during the seventh and tenth days. Tibet Visa is ready to assist you in making your journey to Nepal more convenient and memorable. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to make a reservation for Nepal festivals ahead of time.