Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, stands as the crown jewel of Nepal’s cultural calendar—a grand, 15-day celebration that captivates the entire nation. The festival falls on the Nepali month of Ashwin (September/October), starting on a bright lunar fortnight and ending on the day of the full moon. During this auspicious time, Nepal comes alive with a palpable energy. Cities and villages alike buzz with excitement as families reunite, with members journeying from far and wide to gather in their homes. This mass homecoming transforms Dashain into more than just a religious observance; it becomes a celebration of life, family, and the indomitable spirit of the Nepalese people, regardless of their caste and creed.
The Origins and Mythology of Dashain
The 15-day festival of Dashain is steeped in rich Hindu mythology, with its origins tracing back to ancient legends that continue to shape its significance today. While several mythological narratives are associated with Dashain, the most prominent revolves around the epic battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, a tale that embodies the eternal struggle between good and evil.
According to Hindu scriptures, Mahishasura, a powerful demon blessed with near-invincibility, unleashed chaos and destruction across both the heavenly and earthly realms. His reign of terror seemed unstoppable, as he had been granted a boon that only a woman could defeat him. In response to this threat, the gods pooled their energies to create Goddess Durga, a formidable female warrior embodying divine strength and righteousness.
Armed with celestial weapons bestowed by various deities, Durga engaged in an intense battle with Mahishasura. The conflict raged for nine nights and ten days, a period now celebrated as Navaratri in many parts of India. On the tenth day, Durga finally emerged victorious, vanquishing the demon and restoring balance to the universe. This triumph of Durga over Mahishasura forms the central theme of Dashain, symbolizing the ultimate victory of good over evil and the power of righteousness to overcome malevolence.
Interestingly, Dashain also intertwines with another significant Hindu legend—the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the epic Ramayana. This parallel narrative further reinforces the festival’s core message of the triumph of virtue over vice.
Both these mythological tales serve as the foundation for Dashain’s celebrations, imbuing the festival with deep spiritual significance. They remind celebrants of the ongoing battle between good and evil in the world and within themselves, encouraging the cultivation of virtuous qualities and the rejection of negative influences.
The Duration and Key Observances of Dashain
Dashain is a 15-day festival, with each day holding its own significance and set of rituals. While the entire fortnight is important, there are key days that are particularly noteworthy:
Day 1: Ghatasthapana
Ghatasthapana marks the first day of Dashain. The term combines “ghata” (pot) and “sthapana” (to place), referring to the ritual of placing a sacred kalasha symbolizing Goddess Durga in each household. The goddess’ first manifestation, Shailaputri is worshiped on this day. Families clean and purify the house on this day, and sow maize and barley seeds in the kalasha and a sandbed around it, following Vedic rituals. The seeds are watered and worshiped every day for 7 days, until they sprout into jamara.
Day 2 to 6: Days of Devotion
In the days between Ghatasthapana and Phulpati, Dashain observances focus on the veneration of various manifestations of Goddess Durga. Each day is dedicated to a specific form of the goddess, progressing through Brahmacharini (symbolizing penance), Chandraghanta (peace and bravery), Kushmanda (cosmic creation), Skandamata (motherly protection), and Katyayani (the warrior form). This daily progression allows devotees to connect with different aspects of divine feminine energy, deepening the spiritual significance of Dashain as the festival builds towards its climactic days.
Day 7: Phulpati
The seventh day of Dashain is phulpati. This is dedicated to the fiercest form of Goddess Durga—Kali. By phulpati, the seeds sowed on Ghatasthapana sprout into jamara, long lime yellow grass. From this day, Dashain festivities reach their peak with kite flying, feasting, traditional swings and animal sacrifice at various temples of Goddess Durga.
Traditionally, a phulpati procession is carried out in various cities across the country, where flowers, fruits and sacred symbols are tied in a red cloth and carried on a decorated wooden log. As the procession passes through towns, often accompanied by a special band of Naumati instruments, people offer flowers and fruits to the procession.
In Nepal’s hilly regions, the day is known as “Bato Khanne Din,” a time for clearing roads and cleaning homes to welcome guests. A unique tradition also sees a Brahmin carry the “Falko Dashain Doli,” sacred flowers, jamara, and sugarcane from Gorkha Durbar to Hanuman Dhoka Palace, with the Nepali Army firing guns in its honor. During monarchy, a portion of this offering would be sent to the royal family, but it is now sent to the President’s residence.
Day 8: Maha Ashtami
The eighth day, known as Maha Ashtami, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mahagauri. She radiates purity and grace, signifying the triumph of righteousness. Her worship purifies the mind and soul, granting inner peace and spiritual growth. Sacrifices also continue on Ashtami, wherein the blood of the animal is offered to the Goddess and the meat is consumed as blessings from her.
Day 9: Navami
Navami is also referred to as Kaalratri, as it is a moonless night. Goddess Siddhidatri is worshiped on this day who grants divine knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. She blesses devotees with achievements and accomplishments, both material and spiritual. Her worship symbolizes the culmination of the Navadurga manifestations.
This day is also celebrated as Bishwokarma puja, wherein people worship their tools and devices that equip them to live an earning. This includes vehicles and machineries.
Day 10: Vijaya Dashami
Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day, is the climax of the festival. It’s the day when families gather to receive tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) on their forehead and jamara from their elders, symbolizing their blessings for prosperity and protection, hence also appropriately referred to as “Tika”. In the Newari community, the men of the household butcher pumpkins or sugarcanes amid vedic mantra chants, symbolizing the slaying of the demon Mahishasur.
This day of celebration is often limited to immediate family members and includes feasting and merrimaking. The days that follow, until the 15th day, sees relatives visiting each other for tika and blessings. It is a time for fun and relaxation, where families and friends engage in playing cards, feasting, and some traveling too.
Cultural Practices and Traditions
Besides the receiving of tika and jamara, there are many cultural practices and traditions that are associated with Dashain. One of the major practices is animal sacrifice, particularly of goats and buffaloes. The sacrifice symbolizes the defeat of evil, mostly because as per the myth the demon originated from a buffalo and when the battle ended his allies fled in the form of animals such as goats, ducks and hens . However, this practice has become increasingly controversial in recent years, with many opting for symbolic sacrifices or vegetarian alternatives, reflecting changing attitudes towards animal welfare.
Some other popular traditions of Dashain include:
- Kite flying: It is not unusual to see the clear, blue Dashain skies dotted with colorful kites, months before the actual festival. It is a favorite tradition amongst both young and old, with many hosting kite-flying events on their rooftop. The cool breeze and the clear skies during this season complement the activity too.
- Playing cards and langur burja: Although extremely addictive and often frowned upon, playing cards and langur burja (a type of Nepali dice game) is a popular leisurely game that peaks during Dashain. Families and friends gather together to engage in a fun game of poker and blackjack among others. While money is involved, it is all in jest.
- Shopping: Similar to Christmas, Dashain is a time for shopping sprees in Nepal. People buy new clothes to wear for tika, and gifts for near and dear ones. Popular shopping streets across the country see offers go up on every item, and people start crowding these destinations weeks in advance.
- Dashain swing: During Dashain, Nepal’s festive landscape is adorned with Linge Ping, a traditional swing that holds both cultural and spiritual significance. Made of four bamboos as pillars and jute rope as the main swing, it takes on a shape that resembles the Shiva Linga, hence the name. According to local beliefs, riding this swing at least once during Dashain is essential, symbolically elevating oneself from the ground.
Dashain through the years
Dashain, deeply rooted in Nepal’s cultural tapestry, has undergone significant evolution over the centuries. While preserving its core religious essence, the festival has adapted to modern lifestyles and global realities. Today, many Nepalis leverage the two-week public holiday for leisure travel, both within Nepal and internationally, often returning just in time for the Tika ceremony. Since this is the perfect season for trekking, many Nepalis take on the trails across Nepal.
The festival’s reach has expanded far beyond Nepal’s borders, mirroring the global spread of the Nepali diaspora. Nepali communities worldwide have innovatively adapted Dashain celebrations to their new environments, organizing cultural gatherings that serve dual purposes: maintaining ties to their heritage and introducing Nepali traditions to a global audience.
Celebrating Dashain with Varnabas
Dashain celebrations are predominantly intimate family affairs, often inaccessible to outsiders. While exploring religious sites across Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu, offers a vibrant glimpse of the festival’s public face, the true essence of Dashain resides within the homes of locals. Here, age-old traditions and cultural practices come alive in their most authentic form. For visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Dashain, staying with a Nepali family or at a culturally immersive accommodation like Varnabas can provide valuable insights into these private celebrations. To fully experience the festival atmosphere, plan your visit between September and October, when Dashain typically takes place.
