About Dashain
Dashain, also known as “Bada Dashain” or “Bijaya Dashami”, is a major Hindu religious festival in Nepal. It is celebrated by Nepali Hindus around the world. The festival is also known as Nauratha, which is derived from the Sanskrit term Navaratri which signifies Nine Nights. Hindus in India also commemorate a version of this festival, called Navaratri, Dussehra, or Dashera, with distinct customs and traditions.
When is Dashain celebrated?
Dashain is usually celebrated in Nepal during the month of Ashwin, which usually falls between September and October according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival begins on the bright lunar night (shukla paksha) of the month of Ashwin and ends on Purnima, the full moon, after 15 days of celebration. During the celebration, all government offices, educational institutions, and other offices remain closed. The exact dates of Dashain vary each year based on the lunar calendar.
Dashain 2023 date:
| Nepali Date | English Date | Festival Day Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2080-6-28 | 2023-8-15 | Ghatasthapana |
| 2080-7-4 | 2023-8-21 | Phulpati |
| 2080-7-5 | 2023-8-22 | Maha Ashtami |
| 2080-7-6 | 2023-8-23 | Maha Navami |
| 2080-7-7 | 2023-8-24 | Vijaya Dashami |
Important Days
Although, the festival spans 15 days, the most important days are the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and fifteenth. All the important days are explained below:
Day 1: Ghatasthapana
The first day of the Dashain festival is known as Ghatasthapana. It is considered one of the most important days of the festival. The day of Ghatasthapana is the day when the Kalash or pot is filled with holy water and then sown with maize or barley seeds. This day is also the day when the Dashain Ghar is set up.
The Dashain Ghar is a room where the Kalash is placed. The goddess Durga is believed to reside in the Kalash during the Navaratri. The Kalash is kept away from direct sunlight, and holy water is offered to it every day. The Kalash is worshipped twice every day, once in the morning and then in the evening. These rituals continue until the seventh day of the festival. During this time, the barley or maize seeds grow to become five or six inches long yellow grass known as Jamara.
Jamara is considered sacred and received on the tenth day of the festival. The grass is grown in a dark room for nine days, and on the tenth day, it is offered to the goddess Durga.
Day 7: Phulpati
The seventh day of Dashain, Phulpati, is a significant celebration in Nepal. The word “Phulpati” is derived from two words, “Phul” meaning flower, and “Pati” meaning leaf. Traditionally, the royal Kalash, banana stalks, jamara, and sugar cane tied with red cloth are brought by Magars from Gorkha, which is about a three-day walk from Kathmandu. The Phulpati parade is headed towards the Hanuman Dhoka royal palace, where the king used to observe the ceremony in Tundikhel. The Nepalese Army presents a majestic display along with a celebratory firing of weapons that continues for ten to fifteen minutes in honor of Phulpati. The Phulpati is then taken to the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, where a parade is held.
After the overthrow of the royal family in 2008, the tradition was changed, and the holy offering of Phulpati is now taken to the residence of the President. The President has taken over the King’s social and religious roles after the end of the monarchy. The procession of Phulpati is also observed in various other cities and towns across Nepal and in India, where there is a significant Nepali population.
The day of Phulpati is celebrated with traditional Naumati instruments, which add to the festive atmosphere. The Nepalese people participate in the procession with great enthusiasm, and the day is marked with joy and happiness.
Day 8: Maha Asthami
The eighth day of Dashain is known as Maha Asthami. On this day, the fierce form of Goddess Durga, Kali, is worshipped and appeased through the sacrifice of animals like buffaloes, goats, hens, and ducks in temples across the Country. This day is also referred to as Kal Ratri or Black Night after the form of Durga worshipped on this day.
Along with the puja, great feasts are held in the homes of common people on this day. The Newar people, a prominent ethnic group in Nepal, celebrate this day by performing Khadga Puja, where they worship their weapons and seek blessings from their elders.
Day 9: Maha Navami
The ninth day of Dashain, referred to as Maha Navami, is considered the pinnacle of the Navaratri celebrations. It is known as “the great ninth day” and marks the end of Navaratri. Various ceremonies and rituals are performed on this day. One of the most significant events that take place on Maha Navami is the official ritual sacrifices of the Nepal Armed Forces at one of the Hanuman Dhoka royal palaces, the Kot courtyard. Buffaloes are offered as sacrifices, and a 21-gun salute is fired in the presence of the Army Staff. This day is also known as the demon-hunting day as it is believed that defeated demons try to save themselves by hiding in the bodies of animals and fowls.
The Taleju Temple gates are opened to the general public only on Maha Navami. Thousands of devotees flock to pay their respects to the goddess. The temple is filled with devotees all day long, seeking blessings from the goddess. Artisans, craftsmen, traders, and mechanics offer animal and fowl blood to their tools, equipment, and vehicles, in the hope of warding off accidents throughout the year. Therefore, all vehicles from bikes to cars and trucks are worshipped on this day.
Day 10: Bijaya Dashami
On the tenth day of the Dashain festival, known as Bijaya Dashami, a special mixture called “tika” is prepared using rice, yogurt, and vermilion. The tika along with Jamara symbolizes the blessings of abundance for the upcoming year and is applied by elders to the foreheads of their younger relatives. This ritual is an important part of the festival and helps to strengthen family and community ties.
In addition to the tika, elders also give a small amount of money, called “Dakshina”, to their younger relatives as a symbol of their blessings. This tradition continues for five days until the full moon, during which families and relatives exchange gifts and greetings. By taking tika from all of their elder relatives, even distant ones, people renew their community ties and strengthen their bonds with one another.
Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima
Kojagrat Purnima is the final day of the Dashain festival and falls on the full moon day. It is also known as Sharad Purnima, and the term Kojagrat translates to ‘who is awake.’ On this day, people worship Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, as it is believed that she blesses those who remain awake all night with prosperity and good fortune. It is a common belief that Goddess Laxmi descends to the earth on this day.
People often celebrate this day by staying up all night and participating in various activities such as playing cards and other games.
Music: The Soulful Echo of Malshree Dhoon
Malshree Dhoon: Dashain has its very own harmonious heartbeat – the Malshree Dhoon. This melodious tune serves as a herald for Dashain’s arrival, resonating deeply with the festival’s essence. Originating in the 17th century as a part of the Newa art form, this devotional melody has transcended boundaries to become an integral part of Nepal’s national culture. It now serenades the nation during Dashain, uniting hearts in celebration.
Mantras: Blessings in Sacred Sanskrit
Dashain isn’t just a time for jubilant gatherings; it’s a moment for sacred blessings. As elders apply the auspicious tika (a blend of yogurt, rice, and vermilion) on the foreheads of younger family members, they recite ancient Sanskrit mantras, invoking blessings of good fortune, resilience, and prosperity.
Mantra for Men and Boys
In Devanagari:
आयु द्रोणसुते श्रेयं दशरथे शत्रुक्षेयं राघवे।
ऐश्वर्यं नहुषे गतिश्च पवने मानं च दुर्योधने।।
दानं सूर्यसुते बलं हलधरे सत्यं च कुन्ती सुते।
विज्ञानं विदुरे भवन्तु भवतां कीर्तिश्च नारायणे।।
Mantra for Women and Girls
In Devanagari:
जयन्ति मङ्गला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी ।
दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोकस्तुते ।।
These mantras aren’t just words; they are whispers of blessings that carry the weight of tradition, culture, and spirituality.
Games: Unveiling the Playful Side of Dashain
Kite Flying: As Dashain approaches, the skies of Nepal transform into a canvas of colorful kites. Kite flying isn’t just a pastime; it’s a tradition rooted in the belief that it reminds the heavens not to send rain. People of all ages ascend to their rooftops, shouting ‘changā chet’ as they cut each other’s kite strings.
Playing Cards: While children soar with kites, the older generation engages in friendly card games, merging money and merriment. It’s a time for bonding and relishing the festival spirit.
Swings (Ping): Bamboo swings, lovingly known as ‘ping’ in Nepali, emerge across Nepal, embodying local culture and camaraderie. Constructed using traditional methods, these swings are crafted with tough grass ropes, bamboo sticks, and wood. They stand tall as a symbol of unity, joy, and community spirit.
Fairs and Celebrations: Villages come alive with small fairs, featuring Ferris wheels for the young ones and a plethora of entertainment for adults. In the urban landscape, commercial fairs and celebrations paint the town with a festive palette, infusing life and vibrancy into the atmosphere.
Shopping:
The act of buying and wearing new clothes takes on profound significance during Dashain. For many in rural Nepal, it’s a rare opportunity to don fresh attire. Shops offer enticing festival discounts, making shopping an integral part of the celebration. Clothing sales reach their zenith during Dashain.
Feasts:
Dashain feasts are a testament to culinary opulence. Thousands of animals, including buffalo, ducks, and rams, are ritually sacrificed as offerings to appease the goddesses. This age-old ritual is deeply ingrained in Dashain traditions, believed to invoke divine blessings. The demand for meat escalates significantly during Dashain, owing to the plethora of feasts and gatherings.
While Dashain traditions brim with cultural significance, they have not been immune to controversy, especially concerning animal sacrifices. Advocates for animal welfare have called for alternatives, like using pumpkins and coconuts, to minimize harm to animals.
Conclusion: The Essence of Dashain
In conclusion, Dashain is much more than a religious festival. It’s a celebration of unity, family, and tradition. Dashain 2023, with its anticipation and festivity, is a testament to the resilience of Nepali culture and the enduring spirit of its people.
1. What is the significance of Dashain?
Dashain holds great religious and cultural significance in Nepal. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and promotes unity among the people.
2. When does Dashain 2023 begin?
Dashain 2023 begins on the 15th of October and lasts for fifteen days, with Vijaya Dashami falling on the 31st of October.
3. What are the essential rituals of Dashain?
The essential rituals of Dashain include worshipping goddess Durga, receiving tika and jamara from elders, and performing animal sacrifices as offerings.
4. How do people prepare for Dashain?
People prepare for Dashain by cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and shopping for gifts and offerings.
5. How does Dashain impact Nepali society?
Dashain has a significant impact on Nepali society, boosting the economy, fostering social cohesion, and strengthening community bonds.
Tihar Festival: A Celebration of Lights and Joy
