Dashain festival in Nepal is the biggest and most widely celebrated festival in Nepal. Mainly observed by the Hindu community, some other people such as Buddhists and Christians also take part in it. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Dashain started after Goddess Durga triumphed over the demon Mahisashura, who was capturing Develoka. It is celebrated over 15 days, starting with shukla paksha (bright lunar night) during Ashwin and ending on Purnima, the full moon. The first day of Dashain is called Ghatasthapana, and the 10th day is the major day of all the 15 days.
This major festival is also the longest one celebrated in Nepal. It brings families together. They worship the goddess Durga for strength and prosperity. They also participate in other rituals and celebrate this cultural festival, sharing laughter. Elders bless their youngsters by putting red Tika and Jamara in their heads. Many people sacrifice animals, particularly goats, as an offering to the goddess Durga. People also participate in flying kits, swinging in Linge Ping, and playing cards to celebrate this festival further. Dashain is a joyful occasion reflecting Nepal’s traditions and bringing together family and happiness.
In 2024, Dashain will begin on Ashwin 17 (October 3). The first day is marked as Ghatasthatana, where people keep Jamara. The main day of Tika falls on Ashwin 26 (October 12). The celebration will continue until Kojagrat Purnima, the final day, on Ashwin 30 (October 16). Each day of Dashain holds a different significance, with religious ceremonies and family traditions carried out in full spirit throughout the festival.
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Dashain Festival Importance
The Dashain festival holds religious significance, marking the victory of good over evil. The festival began after Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura and has been practiced for around 6.5 centuries. The 15 days of Dashain is celebrated by worshiping goddess Durga. She is a symbol of protection, strength, and prosperity. The Ghatasthapana and Vijaya Dashami days are the most auspicious two days of Dashain.
Similarly, the festive has cultural significance as it brings families and communities together. During Dashain, people from cities come to visit their ancestral homes and participate in many activities, such as flying kites, playing cards, and setting up village bamboo swings. This practice encourages social harmony and strengthens family ties. Nepali culture is showcased through the celebration of Dashain and its values, which have been passed down from elders to younger members.
Not just that, Dashain also helps to indirectly foster the economy of Nepal’s market. As people buy new clothes, gifts, and materials for celebration, the flow of goods in the markets increases. Thus boosting the economy, especially in retail and livestock markets. Farmers sell goats, which are used for sacrifice for goddess Durga on the 7th/8th day. Additionally, the tourism and transportation industries will be fostered during this season. Dashain, overall, not only has religious significance but also cultural and economic importance.
How do People Celebrate the Dashain Festival In Nepal?
As mentioned, the Dashain festival is celebrated for 15 days. Each day follows its own rituals and significance. The festival begins with Ghatasthatana, where people keep Jamara (barely seeds) in a sacred space. This day marks the beginning of Dashain. The following 5 days are celebrated by worshiping goddess Durga. On the seventh and eighth days of Saptami and Maha Asthami, people sacrifice animals, especially goats, ducks, and buffaloes, to a goddess, Durga. This day marks the formal entry of Dashain’s festive spirit into homes and temples.
The festival continues, and on Navami, the tools and vehicles are also blessed, believed to bring protection and success. On the 10th, the most auspicious day of the overall festival, Dashami, people celebrate by wearing red tika and Jamara. The elders bless their youngsters for a prosperous and healthy future. The tika ceremony continues for the next five days as families visit relatives to receive blessings and share joy. Kojagrat Purnima is the last of the entire festival, where people worship the goddess of wealth, Laxmi, in hopes of prosperity. The Dashain festival revolves around themes of family bonding, devotion to the goddess, and the victory of good over evil.
Things to do During the Dashain Festival as a Tourist
As a tourist, if you plan to visit Nepal during the Dashain festival, there are many things you can do. You will experience the warm hospitality of Nepali people. Many people invite guests to their homes and offer them a chance to participate in traditional rituals and celebrations. You will witness or even participate in the tika ceremony, where elders place red tika and Jamara on younger family members, a symbol of blessings. Indulging with locals, as a tourist, you can better understand Nepal’s culture and rituals.
Food is an integral part of the Dashain celebration in Nepal. During your visit to Nepal during Dashain, you will have a chance to try a variety of Nepali cuisine. Some of the special foods prepared include goat meat, sel roti (a ring-shaped rice bread), and homemade pickles. If you visit local homes or join community feasts, you can taste these festive delicacies uniquely. You can also explore the markets here and witness unique festive-related items and decorations, which you can buy as a souvenir. Also, never miss to take Dashain festival pictures of beautiful surroundings and activities you take part in for memories.
To further enhance your experience, you can also write a Dashain festival essay or write a letter to your friend describing the Dashain festival. For this, you can wish them a happy Dashain and share your overall trip experience to Nepal. Sending postcards or emails with Dashain’s wishes is a thoughtful way to share Nepal’s cultural heritage with others. Overall, there are many things you can experience, from putting Tika and Jamara in your head to playing Linge Ping and flying kites for a unique experience. You can celebrate Dashain with the utmost joy if you are a tourist in Nepal during this season.
Top Holiday Destinations To Celebrate Dashain In Nepal
Kathmandu Valley
The topmost destination for celebrating this festival is the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu City. Here, this festival is celebrated in the most traditional form. You can engage in many cultural events, fairs, and religious ceremonies at famous temples like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath. You can also visit the vibrant markets of this place during the festive season. Stopping by places like Chandragiri or Shivapuri can also be quite an experience for you. Offering rich cultural and religious heritages, this place can be perfect for you to experience this major festival of Nepal.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Are you looking to add some adventurous and thrilling experiences to your visit to Nepal? Exploring Everest Base Camp Trek during Dashain can be your best choice. The trekking route will become more festive as you pass through villages celebrating the festival with traditional dances and rituals. Also, the clear skies and beautiful view of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, will make your trip more memorable and adventurous. Along the way, you will experience Sherpa hospitality, join locals in Dashain festivities, and enjoy a unique blend of nature and culture.
Pokhara
Pokhara, known as the city of lakes, is another top holiday destination during Dashain. The serene Phewa Lake, with the backdrop of the Annapurna Range, creates a peaceful setting for celebration. You can enjoy boat rides on the lake, visit temples like Tal Barahi, and hike to the World Peace Pagoda. Dashain in Pokhara is celebrated with great joy, and you will see locals flying kites, participating in community fairs, and enjoying traditional foods. It’s a great spot to relax and join the festivities while also exploring the city’s natural beauty.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
As an alternative to Everest Base Camp, you can also opt for Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It offers a perfect holiday adventure for trekking enthusiasts in Dashain. Making your way through diverse landscapes and picturesque villages, celebrating Dashain with locals here can also offer you a unique experience. With this trekking adventure, you will see the views of the 10th highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna, along with the Machhapuchare Himal ranges. This trek offers you the opportunity to experience both the natural beauty and cultural richness of the mountain villages.
Bandipur
For a more laid-back but culturally immersive experience, Bandipur is a great destination to celebrate Dashain. On the top of the hill, this town is popularly known for its preserved Newari architecture. From there, you will see stunning views of the Himalayas and a tranquil atmosphere. The town comes alive during Dashain with traditional music, dances, and religious ceremonies. If you are here, you can take a short hike or can visit the temple during Dashain. This place can be a perfect option if you want to experience Dashain away from crowds while enjoying the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
