Dashain Festival in 2025

Nepal is home to nearly 142 unique groups of people. Each group has its own way of life, beliefs, and special events, with each celebrating their own holidays. The most widely celebrated festival across Nepal is "The Dashain Festival."

The dates vary every year. In 2025, the Dashain festival starts on Monday, September 22nd, and ends on Thursday, October 2nd. As per the Nepali Calendar 2082, the Dashain festival runs from the 6th to the 16th of Ashwin or Ashoj 2082 BS.

If you ask any random Nepali to explain the Dashain Festival, you’ll get many replies, but the one common reply would be “Re-united.” During the festival, families are reunited, gathered around the house, and celebrated with many Nepalese cuisines. The festival radiates a sort of happiness and glee all over the country. Each and every one of the Nepalese celebrates Dashain with as much excitement every year.

Why is the Dashain festival celebrated?

Every festival in Nepal has a story from long ago. This event, based on old Hindu tales, marks the win of good over bad. A long, fierce fight that went on for nine days happened between the goddess Durga and a demon named Mahisasur. This fight was huge, but the strong evil force lost. The goddess beat and killed the demon. On day 10, her win was celebrated. Since that time, people have marked this day as a festival.

Another story behind the origin is the war between Lord Ram and the Devil, Ravan. The Hindu mythological book Ramayana states that Mother Sita was kidnapped by Ravan, and a gruesome war ensued. Lastly, Lord Ram defeated Ravan, and peace was restored again. This defeat was celebrated in the form of Dashain.

In short, the festival’s true essence is the victory of good over evil. But it’s also about the unity between families and celebrating this festival with joy. The Dashain festival teaches us that being kind to others always triumphs.

How do People Celebrate Dashain for Ten days?

The festival of Dashain is celebrated for ten days. Every day has its own importance and rituals. The first day is known as Ghatasthapana (Monday, 2082 Ashwin 6 / 2025 September 22), meaning the cleaning of the prayer room and the decoration of the statue of the Goddess Durga by the family members. Apart from that, the barley seed is sowed in a clay pot, germinating into small grass called "Jamara." It is used on the 10^th day of the Dashain festival.

The 7^th day of Dashain is called Phulpati (Monday, 2082 Ashoj 13 / 2025 September 29), when most people go to their hometown, and the roads are usually hectic. Fulpati, an assortment of flowers, leaves, and fruits of different plants considered auspicious, is anointed at Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu. On this occasion, people offer Phulpati to Goddess Durga as per tradition throughout the country.

Maha Ashtami falls on Tuesday, 2082 Ashoj 14 / 2025 September 30, followed by Nawami on Wednesday, 2025 October 1. This day is devoted to Goddess Kali, the most fearful incarnation of Durga. The sacrifice of 54 buffalos and 54 goats is performed on this day in the yard of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The blood is offered to the gods, and the meat is taken home to be cooked for the feast. Each household offers the "Jamara" sown on Ghatasthapana to different shrines and temples. Similarly, security forces perform special pujas of armories as well. '

The last day of Dashain is called Vijaya Dashami. On this holy day, elders wear tika and distribute "Jamara" to juniors. After wearing the tika, they also give money. These tika are prepared from rice, curd, and red-colored powder. Afterward, families dine together and spend time either playing cards or simply chattering.  

This is also known as the Festival of Kites. Kids and Adults alike fly kites to depict the end of the monsoon season. The kites are regarded as an important way to remind the rain god not to make it rain anymore. Also during Dashain, people set up high wooden swings in open spaces and grounds. The swing is also known as Linge Ping, as it’s in the shape of Shiva Linga. It is believed that one must leave the ground once a year by swinging on the swing.

Why is Dashain such a grand festival for Nepalese people?

On Dashain, one can see clear skies, kids running in new clothes, and family members under the same roof. Sounds beautiful, right?

Faraway friends and families save money, buy gifts, and visit their villages to meet their loved ones. The Dashain festival brings everyone together and forms a sense of harmony. Furthermore, schools and colleges are closed because this is a widely celebrated festival. Having children in the house who are celebrating Dashain is an indescribable feeling.

In short, the 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 all, irrespective of age.

When is the Dashain Festival in 2025?

Dashain 2025 starts with Ghatasthapana on Monday, September 22nd. The seventh day, Phulpati, will be on the 29^th of September. Maha Ashtami is on the 30th of September Maha Navami is on the 1^st of October, and Vijaya Dashami is on the 2^nd of October (Dashain Tika date, according to the Nepali Calendar, is the 16th Ashoj), 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.

Best Time to Apply Tika for Dashain 2025

For those celebrating Dashain in 2025, the most auspicious time to apply tika in Nepal is yet to be declared. This time is considered ideal according to Hindu traditions, as it brings prosperity and positive energy. The tika ceremony symbolizes the blessings of elders, and timing plays a crucial role in enhancing these spiritual benefits. Depending on your location, the best moment may vary, but this precise hour is optimal for families in Nepal to celebrate this revered festival with joy and harmony.

Does the festival time affect your travel plans in Nepal?

Don't worry; Nepal's festivals won't mess up your trip. In fact, they can make it even more amazing! You'll appreciate Nepali culture more deeply while exploring the country's stunning beauty. Without a doubt, the best time to trek is between October and November. Do you know why? The monsoon will have been gone by then, and the skies will be clearer than ever, along with Nepal's biggest festival, Dashain.

Even the trails would be perfectly dry for hassle-free trekking and mesmerizing mountain views. Whether you want a short hike or choose any one of our trekking packages, the time during Dashain would be perfect. You can also do popular trekking like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek and so on during Dashain. So book your next trekking adventure and get mesmerized by the mountains.

You’ll also get to see the true cultural harmony between people. You can get the Best of Nepal during this time of year. You can see temples and devotees lining up for worship in full swing. The weather and vibes are festive, and mantras are being chanted all around. The festivities surrounding these temples are not explainable as devotees pay their respect and pray. So, don't hesitate to join a festival time in your travel plans!

When was the date of Dashain 2024?

In 2024, the Dashain Festival started with Ghatasthapana on the 3rd of October. The seventh day, Phulpati, was on the 10th of October. Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami were on the 11th of October, and Vijaya Dashami was on the 12th of October. For those celebrating Dashain 2024, the most auspicious time was to apply tika in Nepal was 11:36 AM.

Perfect Dashain Quotes and Captions for Instagram - 2025:

Looking for the perfect caption for your Instagram and Facebook posts to match your Dashain photos this year? Here are simple and heartfelt quotes to make your Instagram posts, reels, and stories stand out. Celebrate Dashain 2025 with love, blessings, and togetherness!

• Feeling blessed this Dashain with love, laughter, and family. 🌸🙏 #HappyDashain
• Tika, Jamara, and endless blessings—Dashain is special. ❤️✨ #GratefulHeart
• A time for togetherness, blessings, and joy. Wishing everyone a beautiful Dashain! 🌾😊 #DashainVibes
• Surrounded by love, guided by blessings. Happy Dashain! 🏡💛 #FestiveJoy
• Cherishing the little moments that make Dashain so big in our hearts. 🌟🌼 #Blessed
• This Dashain, may happiness, peace, and blessings fill your home. 🪔💖 #Grateful
• Family, traditions, and heartfelt blessings—Dashain magic is in the air. ✨🌸 #HappyTimes
• Blessings on our foreheads, love in our hearts. Happy Dashain! 🌺🌾 #PureJoy
• Celebrating life’s blessings, one tika at a time. ❤️😊 #DashainBliss
• Wishing you love, happiness, and endless blessings this Dashain! 🙏💛 #FestiveSeason

Celebrate this amazing Dashain Festival 2025 with the 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.