Dashami

What Is Dashami?

Dashami is a term within the Hindu lunisolar calendar system, referring specifically to the tenth day (Tithi) of a lunar fortnight. The Hindu calendar divides each lunar month into two fortnights: the Shukla Paksha (bright, waxing moon fortnight) and the Krishna Paksha (dark, waning moon fortnight). Therefore, there are two Dashami days in every lunar month.

While Dashami simply denotes a specific lunar day, the most significant holiday observed on a Dashami is Vijayadashami. This observance is also known as Dussehra in India and Dasain Dashami in Nepal, where it constitutes the main public holiday of the longest annual festival, Dasain. Vijayadashami symbolises the triumph of righteousness over adversity and is a day of widespread celebration.

History and Origins of Dashami

The concept of Dashami originates from the ancient Hindu calendrical system, which is based on the moon’s phases. Each lunar day, or Tithi, is calculated by the angular distance between the sun and the moon. The tenth day, Dashami, carries varying significance depending on the specific lunar month and fortnight in which it occurs.

The historical and cultural significance of Dashami is predominantly linked to Vijayadashami, which falls on the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) Dashami of the Ashwin month. This particular day is rooted in several ancient narratives from Hindu scriptures. One prominent story recounts the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, marking the end of a nine-day battle, celebrated during Navaratri. Another narrative commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, as detailed in the epic Ramayana. These foundational stories establish Vijayadashami as a day for celebrating the victory of good over evil, justice over injustice.

How Dashami Is Celebrated

The celebrations associated with Dashami primarily revolve around Vijayadashami, with distinct cultural practices observed across various regions, particularly in Nepal.

Celebrations in Nepal (Dasain Dashami)

In Nepal, Dashami is the most important day of the 15-day Dasain festival, known as Dasain Dashami. Family reunification is a central theme, with people travelling long distances to be with relatives. The main ritual involves receiving ‘Tika’ and ‘Jamara’ from elders. Tika is a paste made from rice, yoghurt, and vermilion, applied to the forehead by elders, symbolising blessings for prosperity, good fortune, and longevity. Jamara are sacred barley or maize sprouts, grown in dark rooms during the preceding nine days of Navaratri, placed behind the ears.

Elders offer blessings along with the Tika and Jamara, often accompanied by cash gifts, known as ‘Dakshina’. Feasting on traditional foods, flying kites, playing cards, and putting up bamboo swings (ping) are common recreational activities. New clothes are worn, and visits to temples are frequent.

General Hindu Observance (Vijayadashami/Dussehra)

Across India and other parts of the world, Vijayadashami (Dussehra) is celebrated with diverse customs. In northern India, particularly, effigies of Ravana, his brother Meghanada, and son Indrajit are burnt in large public gatherings, symbolising the destruction of evil. This event is often preceded by Ramlila performances, theatrical enactments of the Ramayana.

In many regions, it is a day for the worship of tools, weapons, and vehicles, known as Ayudha Puja, signifying the importance of one’s profession and instruments of livelihood. Students may worship books, and artisans their tools. Starting new ventures, undertaking significant journeys, or initiating important projects is considered auspicious on this day.

When Is Dashami?

Dashami is not a fixed date on the Gregorian calendar but rather a lunar calendar designation. There are two Dashami days in each Hindu lunar month. The specific holiday of Vijayadashami (Dussehra/Dasain Dashami) consistently falls on the tenth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashwin month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Due to the lunar nature of the Hindu calendar, its corresponding date on the Gregorian calendar varies each year, typically occurring in late September or October. In Nepal, Dasain Dashami is a major public holiday, with its date determined annually based on the Hindu calendar.

Dashami Key Facts