Dashain | Festivals
Discovering the History Tradition & Socio-Cultural Significance of Dashain — Nepal’s Most Joyous Celebration
By: Anjana Bohara_
Oct 11, 2024
Dashain (Vijaya Dashain, Bada Dashain), the longest and most celebrated auspicious festival in Nepal, holds significant cultural, religious, and social importance. lasting 15 days in Nepal. Across fifteen days, Dashain is marked with various ceremonies, family gatherings, feasts, and the worship of different deities. It commemorates the victory of good over evil, specifically celebrating the goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the eradication of negative forces and the establishment of peace.
Historical and Mythological Significance
Dashain has its roots in Hindu mythology, where the goddess Durga, in her fiercest form, defeated the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura after a prolonged battle of nine days. This victory is celebrated during the first nine days of Dashain, known as Navaratri, where devotees offer prayers to different forms of Goddess Durga. The tenth day, called Vijayadashami, signifies Durga’s ultimate victory and is considered the most auspicious day of the festival.
The festival also honors Lord Ram’s victory over the demon king Ravana in the epic Ramayana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of dharma (righteousness).
Dashain is a time of renewal and purification, both spiritually and physically. Homes are cleaned, painted, and adorned with fresh flowers and offerings to welcome the goddess. Families prepare for the arrival of relatives, many of whom travel from distant places to celebrate together. The ritual of putting on new clothes, buying new things, and receiving tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) from elders is an essential part of the festival, symbolizing blessings for prosperity, longevity, and protection.
One of the prominent traditions during Dashain is flying kites, which fill the skies with colorful kites believed to be a way to communicate with the gods. Children and adults alike participate in this, as it is believed that flying kites during Dashain signifies the arrival of the festival.
Fifteen Days of Dashain: Rituals and Practices
Each day of Dashain has its unique practices and rituals, which play a significant role in reinforcing family bonds and cultural heritage.
1. Ghatasthapana (Day 1)
Ghatasthapana is the beginning of Dashain, which means “establishing the sacred vessel.” During this day, a clay pot filled with sand is placed in a holy area, and barley seeds are sown. The room remains dim, and the seeds are watered every day, symbolizing development and prosperity. By the tenth day, these sprouts, called “jamara,” are prepared for use in ceremonies and blessings. The Jamara is cared for over nine days with the belief that it brings wealth and good luck.
2. Days of Worship and Reflection (Day 2 to Day 7)
During this time, people usually spend their days worshipping different manifestations of Durga. Families go to temples and pray for blessings and protection. Meanwhile, the jamara plants keep growing, and households uphold a serene, ceremonial ambiance. It’s also a time for purifying and fixing household items in anticipation of the upcoming grand celebrations.
3. Fulpati (Day 7)
On the seventh day of the festival, Fulpati is celebrated by bringing a royal Kalash (A holy Vase) filled with sacred plants into households. In Kathmandu, a special procession carries the Fulpati from Gorkha, the ancestral seat of Nepal’s Shah kings, to the Dashain Ghar at the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. This signifies the official start of the festival, and families come together for a grand feast to commemorate the occasion.
A sacred procession of flowers, leaves, and other auspicious items is carried from Gorkha to the capital Kathmandu, symbolizing the arrival of the goddess Durga into homes.
4. Maha Asthami (Day 8)
Maha Asthami, or the “Great Eighth Day,” is dedicated to the fierce goddess Kali, a powerful form of Durga. Animal sacrifices, particularly of goats, ducks, and buffalo, are made to honor the goddess and seek her protection. Many families and communities continue the ritual by preparing the meat as offerings and partaking in a feast together.
5. Maha Navami (Day 9)
Maha Navami, the ninth day, is considered the day of victory. The Taleju Temple in Kathmandu, usually closed to the public, opens its doors, drawing thousands of devotees. On this day, tools, vehicles, and equipment are worshipped and blessed in a ritual called “Aayudh Puja,” as it is believed that such offerings bring prosperity and success. The goddess Durga is believed to bless weapons and machines, acknowledging their role in daily life and work.
6. Vijaya Dashami (Day 10)
The most anticipated day of the festival, Vijaya Dashami, signifies the peak of Dashain. Elders apply tika — a mixture of rice, yogurt, and red vermillion — on the foreheads of younger family members, along with the sacred jamara. They offer blessings for health, happiness, and success. This ritual of receiving blessings continues for five more days as people visit relatives, fostering unity and familial bonds. Families gather to exchange blessings, share feasts, and participate in games, dances, and music.
7. Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15)
The festival ends with Kojagrat Purnima (Full Moon), a day dedicated to honoring Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi blesses those who stay awake, so many families stay vigilant throughout the night. Kojagrat Purnima signifies the conclusion of the festival, as people return to their everyday lives, carrying with them the memories of happiness and togetherness.
Social Aspect of Dashain
Dashain serves as a time for coming home and reuniting. Families that have been apart due to work or distance come together to celebrate. The festival provides a break from daily routines, allowing people to focus on relationships and cultural heritage. Businesses and schools are closed for nearly two weeks, providing ample time for celebration.
During Dashain, people often visit their ancestral homes. This is a time of increased travel within Nepal, and many Nepalis living abroad return to their homeland. The festival promotes social harmony, as individuals from different communities, regions, and even religions participate in the festivities.
Economic Impact
While Dashain is a joyful occasion, it also has a significant economic influence. There is an increase in consumption as families purchase new clothes, food, and gifts for the celebrations. Markets are busy, and businesses prosper during this period. However, the expenses can be burdensome for many, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. The tradition of purchasing new items, especially clothes and food for elaborate feasts, places financial pressure on some families, although they find ways to manage in the spirit of celebration.
Symbol of Renewal and Reflection
Dashain is a time for expecting life’s victories, expressing gratitude for blessings, and seeking guidance for the future. The emphasis on family bonds, tradition, and the celebration of good over evil makes Dashain a lasting and beloved festival in Nepali culture. It serves as a reminder of resilience, unity, and the importance of upholding cultural values across generations.
In conclusion, Dashain is well-known as a cornerstone of Nepali identity, where the convergence of religion, culture, and community weaves a rich embroidery of celebration that is both timeless and continuously evolving.
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