Dashain Festival in Nepal: A Celebration of Triumph and Family
Dashain, Nepal’s most significant and widely celebrated festivaloften known as Bijaya Dashami, marks the triumph of good over evil and is a time of family reunions, religious rituals, and cultural festivities. Celebrated by the majority of Nepali people, this festival lasts for 15 days (most longest and auspicious festival of Nepal, typically falling in late September or early October. Rooted in Hindu mythology, Dashain commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the eternal battle between righteousness and wrong.
The Significance of Dashain in Nepal
Dashain holds a special place in the heart of every Nepali, irrespective of caste, creed, or social background. It’s more than just a religious festival; it represents unity, renewal, and the strengthening of family bonds. Nepalese across the globe return to their hometowns during this time to celebrate with their families, making it a joyous period of homecoming.
The festival is deeply rooted in the worship of Durga, the goddess of power. Dashain is also known for the reverence of nine forms of Goddess Durga during the first nine days, known as Navaratri. Each day has its own significance, and offerings are made to different manifestations of the goddess, asking for blessings, prosperity, and protection.
Key Rituals and Traditions of Dashain
Ghatasthapana (Day 1): The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, where a pot symbolizing Durga is placed in a prayer room and seeds of barley are planted in sand to grow Jamara, yellow sacred grass, which is an important symbol during the festival. The Jamara is harvested and worn behind the ear during the Tika ceremony later in the festival.
Phulpati (Day 7): Phulpati involves the offering of flowers, fruits, and other sacred items to the goddess. A grand procession takes place in Kathmandu, where a holy jamara, banana stalk, and sugarcane tied with red cloth are brought from Gorkha to the Hanuman Dhoka palace. The event is celebrated with military parades and other cultural performances.
Maha Ashtami (Day 8): On the eighth day, Maha Ashtami, animals like goats, buffaloes, and chickens are sacrificed to appease the goddess Durga. This act is believed to cleanse the community of bad luck and evil forces. The night is called Kal Ratri, where goddess Kali, a fierce form of Durga, is worshiped.
Maha Navami (Day 9): The ninth day is celebrated with the worship of machinery, vehicles, and tools, known as “Vishwakarma Puja,” as people pray for success and safety in their professions. Vehicles are cleaned and offered sacrifices in the belief that it will protect them from accidents in the coming year.
Vijaya Dashami (Day 10): The tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, is the most important day of the festival. Families gather for the Tika and Jamara ceremony, where elders place a mix of rice, yogurt, and vermilion (Tika) on the foreheads of younger relatives, blessing them with prosperity, health, and longevity. Elders also give Dakshina (money) as a sign of their blessings. This day marks the beginning of family reunions, and people visit their relatives for several days after.
Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15): Dashain concludes on Kojagrat Purnima, the full moon day, with the celebration of Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. This day is marked by staying awake all night in the belief that Laxmi will visit homes that are clean and bright, bestowing blessings of wealth and prosperity.
Cultural Celebrations
Dashain is a time for festivities beyond religious rituals. Fairs, traditional swings (ping), and kite flying are common during this period. Youngsters and adults alike fly kites, which are believed to send messages to the gods asking for a clear sky after the monsoon rains. Elders pass down family recipes, and special feasts are prepared, including delicacies such as goat meat, beaten rice, and homemade sweets.
New clothes, especially traditional attire, are worn, symbolizing renewal and the shedding of the old. The markets buzz with activity as people buy new clothes, household items, and sacrificial animals.
Modern Changes in Celebrating Dashain
In recent years, the way Dashain is celebrated has evolved, especially in urban areas. With growing awareness of animal rights, some families opt for symbolic sacrifices of fruits or vegetables instead of animals. Moreover, with the increasing Nepali diaspora, many celebrate Dashain outside the country, albeit in smaller communities, yet maintaining the essence of the festival.
Many people also choose to celebrate Dashain sustainably, with a focus on eco-friendly practices, such as avoiding plastic decorations, reducing waste, and choosing organic food options.
Conclusion
Dashain in Nepal is a profound mix of spirituality, tradition, family bonding, and festive cheer. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and serves as a reminder of the values of unity, respect, and gratitude. For many Nepalis, Dashain is a cherished time of homecoming, a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year, and a moment to share joy with loved ones.
As Dashain continues to evolve with time, its deep-rooted significance remains unchanged, making it the heart of Nepalese culture and tradition.