दशैं
Dashain Festival
The Greatest Festival of Nepal - Celebrating Victory of Good over Evil
About Dashain
Dashain is the longest and most auspicious festival in Nepal, lasting 15 days during the bright lunar fortnight of Ashwin (September-October). It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
This festival brings families together from across the globe, as people return to their ancestral homes to receive blessings from elders through the sacred ritual of tika and jamara.
Festival Duration
15 Days of Celebration
From Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnima
Key Days of Dashain
Ghatasthapana
The festival begins with planting jamara (barley seeds) in a sacred vessel
Maha Navami
The ninth day dedicated to intense worship of Goddess Durga
Vijaya Dashami
The main day when elders give tika and blessings to younger family members
Traditions & Activities
Flying Kites
Celebrating the end of monsoon
Bamboo Swings
लिङ्गे पिङ्ग - Traditional fun
Festive Feast
Special delicacies and goat curry
New Clothes
Fresh attire for the festival
Card Games
Social gambling and fun
Temple Visits
Worship of Goddess Durga
Tika & Jamara
The heart of Dashain lies in the sacred ritual where elders place tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermillion) on the foreheads of younger family members while offering jamara (sacred barley shoots).
This ceremony symbolizes the transfer of blessings, protection, and good fortune from the elder generation to the younger ones, strengthening family bonds.
Cultural Significance
Victory of Good
Celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over evil, representing the eternal triumph of dharma over adharma.
Family Unity
Brings families together across generations, strengthening bonds and preserving cultural traditions.
Renewal
Marks a time of spiritual and emotional renewal, fresh beginnings, and hope for prosperity.