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The amazing facts of the world
Dashain Festival, also known as ‘Vijaya Dashami,’ is Nepal’s most widely celebrated festival. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and lasts 15 days, typically between September and October, depending on the lunar calendar. It is also called ‘Bada Dashai’ (Great Dashai) as it is the greatest festival in Nepal. On this Page, we will delve into all the essential features of the Dashai.
Across Nepal and for the Nepali diaspora abroad, this time includes family reunions, festive joy, and cultural ceremonies. Hindus mainly celebrate Dashain, but also non-Hindus who are interested in Nepali festivals and like this fascinating culture. The festival holds both religious and cultural significance, reflecting the rich traditions of Nepali society.
The roots of Dashain trace back to ancient Hindu mythology. The festival celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. According to the myth, Mahishasura had terrorized the universe, and the gods, unable to defeat him, sought help from the goddess Durga. After a fierce battle that lasted for nine days, Goddess Durga finally killed Mahishasura (Head Demon) on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, or the day of victory.
Dashain also celebrates the victory of Lord Ram, another significant figure in Hindu mythology, over the demon king Ravana. This story is mentioned in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, where Ram is victorious with the blessings of goddess Durga.
Dasha is a fun festival. Many activities during this 15-day celebration are exciting and attractive. That’s why the development of community and tradition celebrating Dashain has never stopped. Let’s look at these fun ways to celebrate the Dashain festival here:
The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, where a Kalash (sacred vessel) symbolizing Durga is placed, and seeds of barley or maize are planted in the sand. This is kept in the prayer room, and daily rituals are performed until the tenth day. The sprouting of the seeds, known as “Jamara,” symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.
On Fulpati, the seventh day of Dashain, sacred flowers, fruits, and other offerings are brought from Gorkha (the historical seat of the Nepali monarchy) to the Hanuman Dhoka Palace in the capital city, Kathmandu. The event is marked with grand processions, and military parades are held at Tudikhel, or the heart of Kathmandu
The eighth day, known as Maha Ashtami, is devoted to worshiping the goddess Kali, one of Durga’s fierce incarnations. Many people sacrifice animals such as goats, buffaloes, and chickens, believing it to be an offering to the goddess. Meat from the sacrifice is then distributed and consumed as “Prasad” (blessed food). However, animal sacrifice in temples is a controversial tradition, so it has decreased in recent years and has been replaced by worshipping flowers and fruits.
The ninth day, or Maha Navami, is marked by further worshiping process, particularly to the goddess Durga’s shrine or temples. On this day, people also worship tools, vehicles, and machinery (known as Vishwakarma Puja) as symbols of progress and prosperity.
The most important day of the festival is Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day. On this day, elders apply Tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) and Jamara on the foreheads of younger family members, offering blessings for prosperity and long life. This ritual lasts five days, and families visit relatives to exchange blessings and gifts.
Dashain is deeply rooted in Hinduism’s religious beliefs. The worship of the goddess Durga, representing power and protection, is central to the festival. Each of the nine forms of Durga is worshiped during Navaratri, the first nine days of Dashain. The Tika and Jamara ceremony performed on Vijaya Dashami has religious connotations as it symbolizes receiving the goddess’s blessings through elders.
Dashain is also a time for reflection on the moral lessons of the Hindu epics, such as the victory of truth and righteousness embodied in Ram’s defeat of Ravana. In rural Nepal, the festival also involves the worship of local deities, emphasizing the blend of traditional Hindu beliefs with indigenous practices.
Culturally, Dashain is significant for fostering familial bonds and unity. It is the time when people, regardless of their location, return to their ancestral homes to celebrate with family. The festival promotes the values of togetherness, respect for elders, and community harmony.
During Dashain, various traditional games, including kite flying and playing on bamboo swings, become a highlight for people of all ages. New clothes are worn, traditional feasts are prepared, and dishes such as goat meat, rice pudding, Sell Roti, and sweets are essential to Dashain meals.
Dashain also brings economic and social activities to a peak in Nepal. It is a shopping season, as people buy new clothes, decorations, and livestock. Schools and offices are closed, giving a sense of festivity and celebration across the country.
While Dashain is predominantly celebrated in Nepal, it is also observed in various countries with a significant Nepali and Hindu population. In India, particularly in the states of Sikkim and Darjeeling, where there is a large Nepali-speaking community, Dashain is celebrated with the same fervor. Similarly, Bhutan and certain parts of Myanmar observe Dashain due to the presence of Nepali expatriates.
Dashain is celebrated as a major festival in Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where there is a significant Nepali diaspora. Nepali communities in these countries organize cultural programs, Tika ceremonies, and community feasts to keep their traditions alive.
The preparation of Tika is a central part of the Dashain festival, symbolizing blessings, protection, and good fortune. The Tika is applied on Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of Dashain, by elders to younger family members to offer their blessings. Here is how Tika is prepared:
The combination of Tika and Jamara represents the divine blessings of goddess Durga and the bond between family members, making this ritual one of the most cherished moments of the Dashain festival.
Jamara holds deep symbolic significance during the Dashain festival. It is an essential part of the Tika ceremony, where it is placed behind the ears or on the heads of family members, representing blessings from the goddess Durga. Here’s a breakdown of Jamara’s importance:
In essence, Jamara is more than just a ritualistic plant. It symbolizes divine blessing, family unity, prosperity, and a connection to nature and the agricultural rhythms that have shaped Nepali society for centuries.
In the end, Dashain has emerged as the heart of Nepali culture, combining religious devotion, cultural unity, and family bonding. Its celebrations spread beyond borders, with Nepalese communities across the world enthusiastically celebrating the festival. Rooted in ancient traditions, Dashain is evolving while balancing modern values and religious rituals. It is a defining festival for Nepali identity and cultural heritage.
Please do not make this festival too modern, but let’s change unnecessary traditions and customs with time. Dasain is celebrated as a festival of religious and cultural harmony. We can all keep the essence of Dashain alive forever. Happy Dashain. Jai Goddess Durga Mata.