Dashain

What Is Dashain?

Dashain is the longest and most important annual festival for Hindus in Nepal, Bhutan, and some regions of India. It is a fifteen-day observation, with the most significant rituals and celebrations taking place over the first ten days. The festival symbolises the victory of righteousness over malevolence, particularly commemorating the goddess Durga’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

This period is marked by family gatherings, traditional feasting, exchange of blessings, and the giving of gifts. Many people travel long distances to return to their ancestral homes and celebrate with relatives. The observance of Dashain is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Nepal, where it is a national public holiday.

History and Origins of Dashain

The history of Dashain is rooted in Hindu mythology, primarily revolving around the epic battle between the goddess Durga and the powerful demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura had obtained a boon that made him invincible to any male deity or human, leading him to wreak havoc across the realms. To defeat him, the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, along with other deities, combined their powers to create Durga.

Durga, embodying immense strength and ferocity, engaged Mahishasura in a fierce battle that lasted for nine nights, culminating in his defeat on the tenth day. This victory is celebrated as “Vijaya Dashami” (the victorious tenth day). Another narrative associated with Dashain is Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, also on Vijaya Dashami, following his worship of Durga. These narratives underscore the festival’s central theme of good triumphing over evil and the renewal of order.

Historically, Dashain has been observed for centuries, reflecting agricultural cycles and community solidarity. The festival’s timing aligns with the autumn harvest, making it a period of abundance and gratitude. Over time, it has evolved to incorporate diverse regional customs while retaining its core mythological and cultural significance.

How Dashain Is Celebrated

Dashain is a fifteen-day festival, with specific rituals and traditions characterising different days. The entire period is dedicated to worshipping the goddess Durga and her various manifestations. Preparations often begin weeks in advance, with homes being cleaned, painted, and decorated.

Ghatasthapana (Day 1)

The festival officially begins with Ghatasthapana, meaning ‘establishing the pot’. On this day, a kalash (a holy water pot) is filled with river water and consecrated. Barley seeds are sown in a mixture of sand and soil around the kalash. This pot is placed in a dark room and worshipped daily for ten days, symbolising the growth of prosperity. The sprouting barley, known as jamara, holds significant cultural importance for the later days of the festival.

Fulpati (Day 7)

Fulpati, meaning ‘sacred leaves’, is the seventh day of Dashain. On this day, a traditional procession involving a kalash containing jamara, banana stalks, sugarcane, and various auspicious flowers is brought from Gorkha to Kathmandu. Historically, this procession was carried on a palanquin to the Kathmandu Durbar Square, where the king would receive it. This custom is now largely observed by state officials. Military parades and ceremonial firings also take place.

Maha Ashtami (Day 8)

Maha Ashtami is a significant day dedicated to the fierce manifestation of Durga, Kali. On this day, animal sacrifices, particularly of buffaloes, goats, and ducks, are made to appease the goddess and ward off evil. The meat, known as prasad, is then consumed as part of a grand feast. For those who do not observe animal sacrifice, pumpkins or other vegetables are offered as symbolic alternatives. Families often gather to prepare elaborate meals.

Maha Navami (Day 9)

Maha Navami is the ninth day, marking the culmination of the nine nights of battle. On this day, Vishwakarma Puja is performed, where tools, vehicles, and machinery are worshipped to honour the deity of craftsmanship. This is done to prevent accidents and ensure safety in their use. Security forces also perform special prayers and sacrifices to their weapons and equipment. Families continue their feasts and preparations for the main day.

Vijaya Dashami (Day 10)

Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day, is the most important day of Dashain. On this day, elders apply tika and jamara on the foreheads of younger family members and visitors. Tika is a red mixture of rice, yoghurt, and vermilion, symbolising prosperity and good fortune. Jamara, the yellow barley shoots grown since Ghatasthapana, represents longevity and health. Along with these, elders offer blessings and often give dakshina (money) to the younger generation. Kites are flown to signify the end of the monsoon season and for general enjoyment.

Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15)

The fifteenth and final day of Dashain is Kojagrat Purnima, or the full moon day. The term “Kojagrat” means “who is awake?”. It is believed that on this night, the goddess Lakshmi, deity of wealth and prosperity, descends to Earth and blesses those who are awake. People stay up late, often playing cards or dice, to welcome Lakshmi into their homes, thus concluding the extended festival period.

When Is Dashain?

Dashain is a moveable festival, meaning its date varies each year on the Gregorian calendar. This is because its timing is determined by the lunar Bikram Sambat calendar, which is the official calendar of Nepal. It falls during the bright lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashwin (or Ashoj), which typically corresponds to late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar.

The festival spans fifteen days, with the exact start and end dates shifting annually based on lunar cycles. The most significant public holiday period in Nepal usually covers the week from Fulpati (Day 7) to Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15), with particular emphasis on Vijaya Dashami (Day 10).

Dashain Key Facts