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Dashain: Nepal’s Greatest Festival | 15 Days of Ritual, Reunion & Celebration
Dashain is Nepal’s longest and most celebrated Hindu festival. Lasting 15 days, this autumn harvest celebration symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. It fosters family unity, cultural pride, feasting, and ritual devotion. Dashain falls between September and November, beginning on Ashwin's Shukla Paksha and culminating on Purnima (full moon).
The Meaning Behind Dashain
Dashain honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, restoring cosmic balance. The first nine days illustrate her fierce battles across her nine forms; the tenth, Bijaya Dashami, marks her victory.
Some also connect Dashain to Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana in the Ramayana. Both stories highlight righteousness prevailing over evil.
Why Dashain Matters
Dashain is more than ceremonial. It reflects Nepal’s cultural fabric, reinforcing familial bonds as people nationwide return home. Government offices and schools observe extended closures, the longest holiday period of the year.
The festival also drives the economy through elevated shopping, food sales, and tourism excitement.
Key Ritual Days of Dashain
| Day | Name | Ritual |
| 1 | Ghatasthapana | Planting Jamara in soil with seeds and holy water in a Kalash or sandbed. Symbolizes the goddess’s presence. |
| 7 | Phulpati | Sacred bouquets—flowers, jamara, sugarcane, banana stalks—are paraded from Gorkha to Kathmandu. Military honors and public procession. |
| 8 | Maha Ashtami | Fierce form of Durga (Kali) is propitiated via animal sacrifices in temples and courtyards. Also called ‘Black Night’. |
| 9 | Maha Navami | Ritual peak—Ayudha Puja, machine and tool worship, and visits to Taleju Temple opened only today. Armed Forces also participate. |
| 10 | Bijaya Dashami | Elders apply Tika (rice, yogurt, vermillion) and jamara to younger relatives. Blessings, reunions, gifts, and Dakshina (gifts or money). |
| 15 | Kojagrat Purnima | Festival closes with worship of Goddess Lakshmi. Belief: those who stay awake receive her blessings. |
Dashain in 2025
The 2025 Dashain festival schedule (per authoritative sources):
- Ghatasthapana: Monday, 22 September 2025 (Ashwin 6)
- Phulpati: Monday, 29 September 2025 (Ashoj 13)
- Maha Ashtami: Tuesday, 30 September 2025 (Ashoj 14)
- Maha Navami: Wednesday, 1 October 2025 (Ashoj 15)
- Bijaya Dashami: Thursday, 2 October 2025 (Ashoj 16)
- Kojagrat Purnima: Thursday, 6 October 2025 (Ashoj 21)
Cultural Traditions
Kite Flying
Clear autumn skies fill with colorful kites. Flying kites is both a celebration and a symbolic way to stop rain.
Ping (Bamboo Swings)
Communities set up swings in public spaces. Children and adults enjoy traditional bamboo rides, adding festivity to neighborhoods.
Card Games & Gambling
Families play cards and traditional games. Informal gambling is common despite being illegal.
New Clothes and Shopping
Buying new apparel and household items is customary. Markets flourish with festival promotions.
Traditional Foods
Feasts include sel roti, mutton curry, aloo tama, and other festive dishes often made from sacrificial meat.
Music and Chanting
Malshree dhoon is a traditional tune that signals Dashain’s arrival. Ritual mantras are recited during tika ceremonies.
Tourism During Dashain
Autumn offers ideal trekking conditions with clear skies, festive energy, and family gatherings. Treks like Annapurna Circuit and Everest Region are particularly rewarding.
Travelers should plan ahead as office closures and travel busy-ness can affect logistics.
Conclusion
Dashain is Nepal’s defining cultural festival. It weaves legend with modern life—sowing seeds, offering tika, sharing meals, flying kites, and honoring roots. Families reunite, traditions endure, and communities thrive. For tourists, it offers a window into Nepal’s heart.
