Dashain is one of Nepalese people’s biggest and greatest festivals, celebrated for 15 days. Dasain or Baddasai is generally known as Vijaya Dashami, the most auspicious festival in Nepal. Hindu people are the main ethnicity who mostly celebrate the Dashain festival and other minor communities. The ethnic people from Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Assam also celebrate the Dashain festival. The people far from their homes, return to unite with their families to celebrate a Dashain festival.
Dashain is mostly celebrated in September and October depending upon the lunar calendar (Bikram Sambat). As it is celebrated for 15 days, each day has its significance and meaning. Dashain began to celebrate after the victory of the gods over the evil demons. The goddess Durga is the main character who kills the demon Maishashura on this day so goddess Durga is worshipped as the symbol of power. The festival begins from the bright lunar cycle (Shukla Paksha) and concludes on the day of the full moon (Poornima).
According to the Hindu myths the goddess “Durga” won the battle between her and the demon “Maishasura”. Mahisasura was the giant demon who spread terror and horror in the Devaloka (the world where God resides). So, the myth symbolizes the battle between the different manifests of ‘Durga’ and ‘Mahisasur’ for the first nine days of Dashain. On the tenth day, she took a victory over ‘Mahisasur’ the demon. Another mystical story represents the victory of ‘Ram’ over ‘Ravan’ which explains the victory of good over evil as recounted in the Ramayana.
Main Days of Dashain Festival
Ghatasthapana
The Dashain begins on Ghatasthapana day and today people plant a seedling (Jamara). We fill a Kalash (pot made of metal – copper) with a mix of holy water, cow dung, barley seed, and maze seed. The Kalash is then provided to the priest for the blessing of goddess Durga and later it is taken to a place where we grow a seedling. The ritual is carried out at a certain auspicious time determined by astrologers or a priest.
Phulpati
Phulpati is the seventh day of the Dashain festival and a major celebration occurs on this day. Today, the devotees bring nine types of Phulpati into the room where goddess Durga is worshipped and it is a common ritual for all the Nepalese people. “Phulpati” is commonly nine types of specific flowers that were used to worship the goddess Durga. All nine types of flowers or plants represent the goddess and it is believed that every goddess brings Health, Wealth, and Prosperity. Welcoming Phulpati in the home signifies welcoming the health, wealth, and prosperity in your home.
On this day, there is a national event organized by the government of Nepal which is celebrated at the center of Kathmandu, Tundikhel. The Nepalese Army fired a canon as a celebration. The Brahmins would carry royal Kalash, holy Jamara, Sugarcane tied with red cloth, and Banana stalks from Gorkha district to Kathmandu.
Maha Asthami
Today is the eighth day of the Dashain Festival commonly known as “Maha Asthami”. On this day, the most powerful form of Goddess Durga appears as the fierce Kali to kill the demon ‘Mahisashura’, according to the old Hindu scriptures Veda. So, people offer sacrifices of buffaloes, goats, hens, and ducks in temples to calm the fierce Kali. Blood, symbolic of its fertility, is offered to the Goddesses. So it is the strong reason that the night of this day is referred to as Kal Ratri (Black Night). On this occasion, it is also the norm for goats and buffaloes to be sacrificed in the courtyards of all the land revenue offices across the country.
Maha Navami
The ninth day of the Dashain festival is generally known as Maha Navami. The myth illustrates that this was the day when all the demons were slaughtered by goddess Durga and brought peace to all the living creatures. Today, the ceremonies and rituals have reached their peak, also the people worship to god Vishvakarman (the god of creation) with the belief of making the things we use happy and prosperous. The machinery equipment or tools are worshipped by offering and sacrificing animals to the lord Vishvakarman. In a whole year, today is the only day when the door of Taleju Temple gates is opened to the public. The devotees stay in queue all day long to worship the goddess.
Vijaya Dashami
Today is the main day of Dashain – Vijaya Dashami. The celebration of this day is special as people put tika (mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermilion) on their foreheads. The elder blesses the younger ones to grow bigger and more successful. Similarly, the younger ones also respect their elder which signifies a good relationship between friends and family. All the Nepalese and Hindu people gather or stick with their families to get Tika, the elder people put tika on the forehead of younger ones and give them blessings with a small amount of money as a Dakshina. It is believed that the blessing from older ones is beneficial in their life. All the family members are get together on this day who have been there for a long to celebrate the Dashain. People can share their emotions, love, and affection with their loved ones. These are the reasons why the festival is celebrated with so much enthusiasm.
Dashain is the ceremony of reunion and joy as all the family members reunite to share love and affection. During Dashain, every house is filled with happiness and they celebrate it by organizing a big feast, every house is filled with delicious meals. The child plays kites and swings to celebrate the Dashain. The younger and elder people do gambling as it is common in Dashain and the people are filled with joy and memories.
If you want to do a trek during the festival of Nepal then we can ensure a cultural trek with an adventure journey which help you to witness the biggest festival of Nepal. You will have a deep knowledge of Nepalese culture as you will see the happy faces of Nepalese people if you visit Nepal during the festival. If you are a food lover then it’s the right time to explore Nepal to taste the local Nepalese cuisine.
This year the first day of the Dashain festival “Ghatasthapana” is on 10th October, Asthami on 17th October, Nawami on 18th October, and Vijaya Dashami on 19th October. So, if you plan to visit Nepal on this special festival occasion then you can join the Women Adventures for the amazing trip to Nepal.
Popular Trekking Routes to Visit During Dashain Festival
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
During Dashain, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers a unique blend of adventure with cultural experience to those who want to explore Nepal in the biggest festive season. The season during Dashain is so favorable as it offers clear weather and beautiful scenery of mountains with varied landscapes. The autumn season is a ideal time to explore Nepal. As you combine your adventure in the festive season you can experience the tradition of Nepal deeply which can be a perfect holiday adventure.
Read Full Article Here: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a short trek that can be completed in 4-6 days depending upon your time or holiday. The trek can be more beautiful if you explore it in the festive season of Nepal - Dashain. Dashain is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil and all the family and friends gather together to celebrate it by performing certain rituals, and feasts. The trekkers can experience the local traditional village celebrations, enjoy local cuisine, and witness the beautiful natural beauty which can be a memorable journey of nature, adventure, and festivity.
Read Full Article Here: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek
The most iconic trekking destination in Nepal is Everest Base Camp Trek which offers unforgettable memories, especially during the festive season of Nepal - the Dashain. Dashain is celebrated as the victory of god over demon; members of family and friends gather under a single roof to celebrate it by organizing big feasts, and singing and dancing. The trail is full of vibrant cultural practices and the festive atmosphere brings the trekker with an enthusiasm of conquering the base camp. The journey will be an unforgettable opportunity when you trek during the festival of Nepal which makes you understand Nepalese culture deeply while exploring the majestic Himalayas.
Read Full Article Here: Everest Base Camp Trek
