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Dashain, the biggest and most celebrated Hindu festival in Nepal, is not only a time of joy and celebration but also full of unique traditions and interesting facts. Let’s explore some amazing facts about Dashain that make this festival so special.
Here are 10 interesting facts about Dashain that show why millions of people love this festival:
Dashain is not just any festival—it is the longest and grandest celebration in Nepal, lasting for 15 days. It starts with Ghatasthapana, marking the beginning of the festival, and ends on Kojagrat Purnima, the full moon day. For 15 days, the entire country is in a festive mood, with schools, offices, and businesses closing down so that everyone can participate in the celebration.
The long duration of Dashain allows families to travel from distant places to gather together. It's a time of homecoming, joy, and renewal of family ties. During these 15 days, people visit their elders and receive blessings, making it a festival that fosters family unity.
One of the most significant aspects of Dashain is that it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. The festival is linked to two powerful stories from Hindu mythology:
Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura is celebrated during Durga Puja. Mahishasura was a powerful demon who could change his form and terrorize the gods, driving them away. In response, the gods combined their powers to create Goddess Durga, a fierce warrior. She was armed with weapons from each god and descended to fight Mahishasura.
The battle lasted nine days, and on the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami, Durga defeated Mahishasura, restoring peace and order. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the strength of the divine feminine.
The story of Lord Ram’s victory over the demon king Ravana is found in the Ramayana. Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was exiled from his kingdom. During his exile, Ravana kidnapped his wife, Sita. Determined to rescue her, Ram formed an alliance with Hanuman and an army of monkeys.
In a fierce battle, Ram faced Ravana and ultimately defeated him with a powerful arrow, killing the demon king. This victory is celebrated during Diwali and symbolizes the triumph of truth, justice, and righteousness over evil. Ram’s commitment to duty and virtue serves as an inspiration for many.
These stories are not just religious tales, they carry a moral lesson about the ultimate victory of good over evil, which resonates with everyone, even beyond the festival.
The worship of Goddess Durga during Dashain involves honoring her in nine different forms, each representing unique powers and qualities. Here’s a brief explanation of each form:
Shailaputri: The daughter of the Himalayas, symbolizing strength and purity. She is worshipped for stability and growth.
Brahmacharini: Known for her penance and devotion, she blesses her devotees with peace and perseverance.
Chandraghanta: The warrior goddess, symbolizing courage and protection. She helps in overcoming fear.
Kushmanda: The creator of the universe, representing creativity and vitality. Her worship brings health and positivity.
Skandamata: The mother of Lord Kartikeya, symbolizing motherhood and love, ensuring family well-being.
Katyayani: The fierce goddess, known for defeating demons. She represents justice and strength.
Kalaratri: The destroyer of darkness, offering protection from evil and fear.
Mahagauri: A symbol of purity and calm, her blessings bring peace and wisdom.
Siddhidatri: The goddess of perfection, granting spiritual power and wisdom to her devotees.
Each form of Durga brings specific blessings, and worshiping her during Dashain helps devotees achieve protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
The tradition of Jamara is one of the unique elements of Dashain. On the first day of Dashain, families plant Jamara (barley seeds) in a small pot filled with sand or soil. This pot is kept in a dark room, and over the next nine days, the Jamara grows into bright yellow-green sprouts. These sprouts are considered sacred and are believed to symbolize prosperity and well-being.
On Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of Dashain, the grown Jamara is used along with Tika to bless family members. Elders place the red Tika made from vermilion powder mixed with yogurt and rice grains on the foreheads of younger family members, along with a sprig of Jamara, while offering blessings for health, wealth, and success.
Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of Dashain, is the most important day of the festival. It is the day when families gather for the Tika ceremony. Elders place red Tika on the foreheads of their younger relatives and bless them with long life, happiness, and prosperity. In addition to Tika, a sprig of Jamara is placed on the head as a sign of good fortune.
During this ritual, elders also give Dakshina, or money, to the younger family members as a token of love and blessings. This exchange of blessings and gifts strengthens family bonds and is a cherished tradition for all generations.
Dashain is also known for the tradition of animal sacrifice. On the days of Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, animals like goats, buffaloes, chickens, and ducks are sacrificed to honor the goddess, Durga. This ritual signifies the offering of strength and power to the goddess, symbolizing victory over evil forces.
Though this tradition has been practiced for centuries, modern times have seen a shift toward symbolic sacrifices where fruits and vegetables are offered instead of animals. This practice is becoming more popular, especially among those who prefer a more compassionate approach to their religious rituals.
Kite flying is one of the most entertaining and unique traditions associated with Dashain. In the weeks leading up to Dashain, the sky is filled with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes. The custom of flying kites during Dashain has deep cultural significance.
It is believed that kites are flown to send messages to the gods, requesting clear skies and pleasant weather for the festival. Moreover, kite flying is a way for families to bond and celebrate together, as children and adults compete to see whose kite soars the highest.
Dashain is a time when families buy new clothes. Wearing new clothes during this festival symbolizes a fresh start, and people often take advantage of this time to shop for their loved ones. The tradition of gifting new clothes adds to the festive spirit.
During Dashain, you can see tall bamboo swings, known as Linge Ping, set up in villages and towns across Nepal. These swings are a traditional part of the festival and are enjoyed by people of all ages. It is said that one must leave the ground at least once by swinging on a Linge Ping during Dashain to be cleansed of past sins.
The swings are usually built by communities and serve as a center for social gatherings. Children eagerly wait for their turn, while adults are often seen reliving their childhood memories on these swings.
Dashain is celebrated not only in Nepal but also by Nepali communities around the world. Whether in Japan, the US, or Australia, Nepalis carry the spirit of Dashain with them and celebrate it in their way, keeping the cultural heritage alive.
For many, Dashain is a time to reconnect with their culture and pass on traditions to their children, even if they are living far from Nepal. The festival reminds people of home and helps keep cultural ties strong, no matter where they are. Don’t let distance hold you back—celebrate Dashain with our Dashain Combo Packages, perfect for Nepalis living abroad.
Dashain is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of family, culture, and tradition. The amazing facts about Dashain highlight why this festival is so deeply rooted in Nepali culture and why it continues to be celebrated with such devotion and joy. From the symbolic rituals to the feasting and family gatherings, Dashain remains a time of unity, happiness, and renewal for Nepali people worldwide.
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