Nepal is home to almost 126 ethnic groups. As diverse as it gets, each ethnic group has its own culture, traditions, rituals, values, and, most importantly, different festivals. One of the most widely celebrated festivals in Nepal is the Dashain festival.
Every year the dates always vary. This year 2022, this joyous festival falls in autumn( September/October) from 26th September to October 5, 2022. According to the Nepali calendar, the festival falls from 10 to 19 Ashwin 2079 BS. These months accompany beautifully clear skies, warm weather, and different vibes in the country.
If you ask a Nepali to describe the Dashain festival, they will give many answers but the common word Re-United. During this festival, all the family members re-united gathered around the house, celebrated, and had a hearty feast. This festival radiates happiness all over Nepal and is truly very joyful.
Why is the Dashain festival celebrated?
Every festival in Nepal has a rich history behind it. Likewise, The Dashain festival has one which dates back thousands of years. Hindu mythology states that this festival was celebrated to acknowledge the triumph or victory of good over evil spirits or demons.
It is said that when there was a war between the Hindu goddess Durga and a demon named “Mahisasur,” it lasted for nine days. The war was disastrous, but despite the evil spirit's power, Goddess Durga won the war and killed the demon. On the 10th day, her win was celebrated and praised; since then, this festival has started.
The simple meaning behind this festival is that good always wins over evil. The elders always explain this festival in a simple manner to their kids or grandchildren. Simply, being a good person, helping others, and being kind to others always triumphs is the sole meaning behind this festival.
How do People Celebrate Dashain for Ten days?
In Nepal, the Dashain festival is celebrated for 10 days, and each day has its own ritual and program.
The first day is known as Ghatasthapana. On this day, the family members clean the praying room and decorate the statue or frame of Goddess Durga. A vessel known as Kalash is also filled with holy water and kept in the praying room. Moreover, on this day, barley seeds are sowed in a pot, germinating into a grass called Jamara. This is used on the 10th day of the festival when elders put tika on the foreheads of their younger family members and give them Jamara as well.
The 7th day is known as Phulpati, and on this day, people travel to their hometowns, and the roads are usually hectic due to the vehicles. After this day, one can sense the empty roads and very few people in the city.
Next, on the 8th day, there is Maha Ashtami. This day is auspicious, followed by rituals and rites using Kubhindo Ash Gourd in English.
Following Asthami is Maha Navami, which is the 9th day. On Maha Navami, Hindus worship Goddess Durga and Lord Vishvakarma, the god of creation. Tools, vehicles, and agricultural equipment are worshipped to this day. This day begins by worshipping iron tools and automobiles to thank Lord Vishavakarma for the easiness provided by the machines in everyday life. There is a common belief that by worshipping the tools and vehicles, Lord Vishavakarma will protect them from injuries and accidents.
Lastly, the final day arrives, known as Vijaya Dashami. On this day, elders put tika on the foreheads of younger ones. These tikas are made with rice, yogurt, and also some red color powder. Along with the tika, Jamara is also given as a blessing for long life and success with money or gifts. After this, families have lunch together and play card games or just spend time talking.
Why is Dashain such a grand festival to Nepalese?
On Dashain, one can witness clear skies, kids running around with their new clothes, and families gathering together under the same roof. Doesn't it sound beautiful?
Friends and families who live far away save money, buy gifts, and go to their villages to meet their loved ones. The Dashain festival brings everyone close together and forms a sense of harmony. Moreover, schools and colleges are closed because this is a widely celebrated festival. Having children in the house celebrating Dashain is an indescribable feeling.
In brief, Dashain Festival means buying new clothes, curtains, and furniture, cleaning the house, and feasting delicious meals. Everyone enjoys Dashain as this festival is enjoyed by everyone regardless of age.
When is Dashain Festival in 2022?
In 2022, the Dashain Festival falls on 6 September; the seventh day, Pulpati will be on 2 October. Asthma is on 3 October, Nawami on 4 October, and Dashami on 5 October, respectively.
This festival is celebrated for the next five days after Vijaya Dashami, Kojagrat Purnima. In those days, the relatives and families visit each other's houses, put on tika, feast, and have a wonderful time.
Celebrate this amazing Dashain festival with Nepal Hiking Team. We would love to have you with us on this joyful occasion. You will be able to experience Kathmandu's boulevards and see the city through the eyes of Nepalese people based on the vibrant cultural influences.
Comments - 36
Sabitri phuyal
23rd Feb 2023Thank you for this essay.I need this essat for my school project
$h@nk@r々kun₩ar
23rd Feb 2023Thanks for this essay
Nepal Hiking Team
17th May 2023you are welcome
Shankar kunâ‚©ar
23rd Feb 2023Thanks for the beautiful essay ☺
Nepal Hiking Team
23rd Feb 2023Why we don't.
Nepal Hiking Team
23rd Feb 2023Why?
FEARLESS
23rd Feb 2023write short
FEARLESS
23rd Feb 2023too long write in about 200 or 250 word
Prabhash
23rd Feb 2023It feels nostalgic when you are away from your home and listens to Dashain songs during the festival. Missin home
mrs gamer
23rd Feb 2023nice i had get more points from above paragraph thanks alot ones again
Aayush
23rd Feb 2023Thank's for the help it help me so much in my project
Aayush
23rd Feb 2023Thank's for the help
Ana Matos
23rd Feb 2023Thank you for sharing the information. Real life experiences are always richer.
Milan paudel
23rd Feb 2023It cool
Aniket Regmi
23rd Feb 2023Thanks for helping me for my homework!
Aayush
23rd Feb 2023Thanks for help me
Nepal Hiking Team
23rd Feb 2023No thanks.
Nepal Hiking Team
23rd Feb 2023We are glad to be of your help.
manish tamang
23rd Feb 2023if you can then you can make animation movie of dashain . so, that school/colleges students can get knowledges and they can write easily in exam
prishnasharma
23rd Feb 2023Its very nice and long essay thanks for helping me but it would me more better if you had included scientific importance of dashain as well
Subihav fun channel
23rd Feb 2023So nice paragraph I LOVE IT
Raju
23rd Feb 2023Nice
Xtra some
23rd Feb 2023Nice and thank you it help me on my work
Sadikshya Dhakal
23rd Feb 2023'Dashain' the word itself reflects a thrilling festival
Lhakpa
23rd Feb 2023Please translate in nepali
Kalash Regmi
23rd Feb 2023Thanks for the essay,I like dashain so much.
Ujal
23rd Feb 2023Thank you
Reetu dhakal
23rd Feb 2023Thanks for helping me in my homework
Ricky
23rd Feb 2023Please change the title to "Nepali" festival instead of Hindu as not only Hindus celebrate it today, we have Buddhists, Kirats and some others groups who celebrate it for the sake of Nepal.
Aarti Bhandari
23rd Feb 2023Amazing Thank you. It really helps
Prayash karki
23rd Feb 2023Good
Nice well done bro
Qureen Bhandari
23rd Feb 2023Nice
xeetri choro
23rd Feb 2023nice and thank you
Lawrancia
23rd Feb 2023Please write this in Nepali
And thank you I translate all of this
Niraj khdka
23rd Feb 2023It is very good essay but long too. Thanks for helping us
Aroj Bhandari
23rd Feb 2023Rgg
Satya Joshi
23rd Feb 2023Yes, absolutely, Dashain is one of the longest and amazing festival of Nepal;