Dashain: The Greatest Festival of Hindus

• House Cleaning and Decoration: Before Dashain, families clean their homes thoroughly to remove dust and dirt, symbolizing the removal of negative energy. They decorate their homes with fresh flowers, and traditional decorations to welcome positive vibes.

• Tika and Jamara: On the main day of Dashain, called Vijaya Dashami, elders place tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and red powder) on the foreheads of younger family members. They also give Jamara (barley seedlings) as a blessing. This tradition symbolizes wishes for good health, prosperity, and protection from harm.

• Visiting Relatives: During Dashain, families visit each other to receive tika and exchange gifts. This tradition helps strengthen family bonds and brings relatives closer together.

• Worship and Offerings: Throughout the festival, people visit temples to worship Goddess Durga and other gods. They make offerings of fruits, and flowers, and sometimes even perform animal sacrifices in traditional homes to seek blessings.

  
  

• Goddess Durga and Mahishasura: According to Hindu scriptures, Mahishasura, a powerful demon with a buffalo head, terrorized heaven and earth. No god or warrior could defeat him due to a boon he received, making him invincible. In response, the gods created Goddess Durga, a powerful embodiment of feminine energy and divine power. Equipped with weapons given by all the gods, Durga fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights. On the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami, she finally defeated him, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This legend is celebrated during Dashain, particularly during the first nine days, which are dedicated to worshiping Durga in her various forms.

• Ramayana and the Victory of Lord Ram: Another significant story linked to Dashain is the tale of Lord Ram from the epic Ramayana. According to the legend, Lord Ram, with the help of Hanuman and his monkey army, fought against the demon king Ravan, who had abducted his wife, Sita. Before the battle, Ram sought blessings from Goddess Durga to defeat Ravan. After nine days of battle, on the tenth day, Ram emerged victorious, marking the day as Vijaya Dashami. This story emphasizes the themes of courage, devotion, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil, resonating deeply during Dashain.

These stories not only explain the religious roots of Dashain but also serve as moral lessons, teaching values of courage, righteousness, and the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of trouble.

Importance of Dashain in Nepalese Culture 

Dashain is the biggest and most important festival in Nepal, celebrated by almost all Nepalese people. It usually lasts 15 days, with family gatherings, delicious food, and various rituals. Here are some key aspects that highlight its importance:

1. Victory of Good Over Evil: Dashain symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It celebrates the goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura, representing the defeat of evil forces and the importance of righteousness.

2. Family Reunions: Dashain is a time when families come together, often traveling long distances to be with loved ones. It's a chance to reconnect, share meals, and strengthen family bonds, making it a time of joy and togetherness.

3. Cultural and Religious Significance: During Dashain, people worship various forms of Goddess Durga, seeking blessings for protection and prosperity. Houses and temples are cleaned and decorated, symbolizing the removal of negativity and welcoming positive energy.

4. Receiving Tika and Blessings: A key tradition is receiving tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and red powder) and Jamara (sacred barley grass) from elders, who also give blessings for good health, success, and happiness. This ritual strengthens respect for elders and passes down cultural values.

5. New Clothes and Festive Food: Dashain is also a time when people buy new clothes and prepare special dishes like goat meat, sel roti, and various sweets. It’s a festive time where everyone enjoys good food and looks forward to wearing new outfits.

6. Joyful Environment: From kite flying to playing on swings, Dashain brings a joyful environment, especially for children. Markets are lively, and the overall mood is festive and cheerful.

7. Economic Boost: Dashain also gives a big boost to the economy. During the festival, markets are full of people buying new clothes, gifts, and special foods. Shops and businesses do well because everyone is spending more money. This benefits traders, shopkeepers, and local vendors, helping them earn more during this time.

8. Renewal and Hope: Dashain marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the harvest season, a time when farmers celebrate the bounty of their crops. It symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and a fresh start, encouraging people to let go of past grievances and positively embrace the future.

   
   

What are some popular foods during Dashain? 

Food plays an essential role in Dashain celebrations, with families preparing a variety of delicious traditional dishes that reflect the festive spirit:

• Mutton: Mutton, especially goat meat, is highly popular during Dashain. Dishes like fried meat, mutton curry, and Sukuti (dried meat) are commonly served.

• Sel Roti: Sel Roti, a sweet, circular rice doughnut fried until crispy, is a staple during Dashain. It’s often accompanied by achaar (pickle) and curd.

• Rice Pudding (Kheer): Kheer is a creamy dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar, often garnished with cardamom, nuts, and raisins. kheer adds a sweet touch to Dashain feasts.

  
  

Activities on Dashain Festival

1. Day 1: Ghatasthapana: The first day of Dashain marks the beginning of the festival. On this day, people perform Ghatasthapana, a ritual in which they set up a sand or soil-filled pot and sow seeds of barley. This is placed in a sacred space, and prayers are offered daily.

2. Days 2-6: During these days, people continue to worship Goddess Durga in her various forms, offering prayers, and maintaining the altar where the seeds were sown.

3. Day 7: Fulpati: Fulpati is the seventh day of Dashain, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. A procession of offerings, including flowers, fruits, and leaves, is brought from the ancestral royal palace in Gorkha to the Hanuman Dhoka palace in Kathmandu. Many households also observe their own Fulpati rituals.

4. Day 8: Maha Asthami: This day is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a fierce form of Durga. Maha Asthami involves special prayers, offerings, and animal sacrifices in temples and households, seeking Kali's blessings and protection.

5. Day 9: Maha Navami: Tools, vehicles, and weapons are worshiped on this day, as they are seen as the means of livelihood and protection.

6. Day 10: Vijaya Dashami: The main celebration day of Dashain, Vijaya Dashami, commemorates the victory of good over evil. On this day, family members gather, and younger ones receive Tika and blessings from their elders. Red, white, and black Tika symbolizes power, purity, and knowledge. This is also the day when many people start new ventures, believing it to be an auspicious time for success.

7. Days 11-14: During these days, families continue to visit one another, put tika,  exchange blessings, and enjoy feasts together. 

8. Day 15: Kojagrata Purnima: The fifteenth and final day of Dashain is called Kojagrata Purnima, which means "the night of awakening." On this day, people worship the goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and pray for prosperity. 

Each of the 15 days of Dashain holds unique cultural significance, with various rituals, traditions, and observances that strengthen the bonds between family and community members while celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dashain is more than just a festival; it is a time of joy, togetherness, and cultural pride for Nepalese people. From celebrating the triumph of good over evil to bringing families closer and boosting the economy, Dashain holds a special place in every heart. As the most cherished festival, it beautifully blends tradition, faith, and happiness, making it a meaningful and unforgettable time for everyone. 

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