Introduction
Among the countless festivals celebrated in Nepal, Dashain holds the most special place. It is the longest and grandest festival in the country, spanning 15 days of worship, rituals, family gatherings, blessings, and feasts. Dashain is not just a religious event; it is a cultural identity, a time when families come together, communities bond, and traditions are honored with enthusiasm.
The festival is primarily observed by Hindus, who make up the majority of Nepal’s population, but it is embraced by people of different backgrounds as well. The reason is simple: Dashain represents unity, togetherness, and the triumph of good over evil. During this time, cities and villages alike are filled with festive energy—markets buzz with shoppers buying new clothes, streets are decorated, temples are crowded with devotees, and homes resonate with laughter and prayers.
Dashain also symbolizes prosperity. Farmers celebrate their harvest, families strengthen bonds, and people look forward to new beginnings. For many Nepalis, Dashain is not just about rituals—it is about reliving cultural pride and passing traditions to the younger generations.
Historical and Mythological Background of Dashain
The origins of Dashain are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, especially the tale of Goddess Durga and her battle against the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. According to scriptures, Mahishasura terrorized the heavens and the earth, overpowering even the gods. To restore peace and order, Goddess Durga was created with the combined powers of the gods. She fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights and finally defeated him on the tenth day.
This victory of good over evil is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami—the most important day of the festival. In a broader sense, Dashain reminds people that evil, however strong, can never overpower truth and righteousness.
Apart from the story of Durga, Dashain also connects to Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana, the demon king from the Ramayana. Lord Ram’s triumph, achieved with the blessings of Goddess Durga, is symbolized in the rituals of the festival.
Thus, Dashain is both mythological and cultural—it is not only about worshiping the goddess but also about celebrating courage, justice, and righteousness.
The 15 Days of Dashain
Dashain lasts for 15 days, each holding its own importance. The most significant are Ghatasthapana (Day 1), Phulpati (Day 7), Maha Ashtami (Day 8), Maha Navami (Day 9), and Bijaya Dashami (Day 10). The festival concludes on Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15).
Let’s walk through the first set of days in detail:
Day 1: Ghatasthapana
The first day of Dashain is known as Ghatasthapana, which marks the official beginning of the festival. On this day, people plant Jamara (barley seeds) in a clay pot filled with sand and cow dung. The pot is kept in a dark, sacred room, often referred to as the Dashain Ghar. Priests chant mantras, and a Kalash (sacred vessel) is placed as a symbol of Goddess Durga’s presence.
Over the next nine days, the barley seeds sprout into yellowish grass, which is later used as a blessing during Tika ceremonies. Ghatasthapana signifies the invocation of Durga’s energy and blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.
Day 2–6: Building the Festive Spirit
The days following Ghatasthapana are filled with daily worship of Goddess Durga. Families begin cleaning and decorating their homes, buying new clothes, and preparing for upcoming gatherings.
Shops and marketplaces overflow with people buying clothes, sweets, meat, and household items. It is believed that bringing home new items during Dashain brings prosperity. Children start building bamboo swings, called Ping, in villages—a traditional part of the festival that brings communities together.
These initial days set the tone for the bigger celebrations to come.
Day 7: Phulpati
Phulpati is a major day in the Dashain calendar. The word “Phulpati” refers to a collection of flowers, leaves, sugarcane, banana stalks, and sacred plants that symbolize good fortune. On this day, a grand procession of Phulpati is carried into the capital city, Kathmandu, from the historic town of Gorkha.
Traditionally, the royal family of Nepal attended the event at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, where the Phulpati was offered to Goddess Durga. Today, the tradition continues in a cultural and religious sense, with devotees and officials honoring the goddess.
For families, Phulpati also marks the time when relatives start gathering, preparing for the central days of the festival. Homes are filled with anticipation, and feasting begins in many places.
Day 8: Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami is one of the most significant days of Dashain. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga’s fiercest form, Kali. On this day, devotees offer prayers, sacrifices, and special pujas to honor the goddess. In many households and temples, animal sacrifices such as goats, ducks, or buffaloes are performed, symbolizing the destruction of evil. While this practice is traditional, some people now replace sacrifices with offerings of fruits, coconuts, or pumpkins.
Maha Ashtami is considered the most powerful day for worshipping Goddess Durga. The energy is believed to be at its peak, and devotees pray for strength, protection, and prosperity. Families also prepare grand feasts, and the atmosphere is both spiritual and festive.
Day 9: Maha Navami
The ninth day, Maha Navami, is celebrated with great devotion. It marks the final day of Navaratri, the nine nights of Durga worship. On this day, the Taleju Bhawani temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square is opened to the public—an annual ritual that draws thousands of devotees.
Maha Navami is also dedicated to the worship of tools, machinery, and vehicles, known as Vishwakarma Puja. People believe that worshiping their tools will bring success and safety in their work. Vehicles are cleaned, decorated, and offered sacrifices or fruits to prevent accidents and invite blessings.
For many Nepalis, Maha Navami carries a dual significance: spiritual devotion to the goddess and a practical ritual to honor the tools and resources that sustain their livelihood.
Day 10: Vijaya Dashami
The tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, is the climax of Dashain. It symbolizes the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura and Lord Ram’s triumph over Ravana. Families gather as elders put Tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermilion) and Jamara (barley grass planted on Ghatasthapana) on the foreheads of younger relatives. Along with these blessings, elders give Dakshina (money or gifts) and offer heartfelt wishes for health, longevity, and success.
This ritual is the most cherished part of Dashain. It strengthens family bonds, as people travel long distances to reunite with loved ones. For children, receiving Tika and Dakshina is a joyful highlight.
Communities celebrate with music, dancing, and feasting. Streets and villages echo with laughter, and swings are in full use. Vijaya Dashami truly represents the essence of Dashain—victory, family, and joy.
Days 11–14: Continuing Blessings and Gatherings
After Vijaya Dashami, the next few days are spent visiting relatives, receiving blessings, and enjoying large feasts. Families who couldn’t meet on the main day continue the Tika and Jamara rituals during these days.
These days are less ritualistic and more social, filled with endless food, games, and conversations. It is also a period of travel, as people who went to their villages or hometowns slowly return to the cities.
Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima
The festival concludes on the full moon day, known as Kojagrat Purnima. The name comes from the phrase “Ko Jagrat?” meaning “Who is awake?” It is believed that Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, visits homes on this night and blesses those who remain awake. Families light lamps, stay up late, and worship the goddess to attract prosperity and fortune.
Kojagrat Purnima is a peaceful and spiritual ending to Dashain. While the earlier days are full of noise and festivity, this final night is about reflection, prayer, and gratitude.
Dashain Food and Festive Delicacies
No Nepali festival is complete without food, and Dashain takes it to another level. Families prepare lavish meals that include traditional dishes such as:
- Sel Roti: A homemade, ring-shaped rice bread.
- Mutton Curry: Goat meat is the most popular festive dish, enjoyed with rice, beaten rice (chiura), and pickles.
- Yogurt and Fruits: Offered during rituals and enjoyed as part of meals.
- Local Liquor (Raksi or Aila): Prepared at home and shared during family feasts.
Food is not just about taste—it symbolizes togetherness. Preparing meals is a collective task, and eating together enhances the feeling of unity.
Dashain in Modern Nepal
Dashain has evolved with time. While rituals remain central, modern practices have added new dimensions. Urban families may prefer non-sacrificial offerings, while many households order food from restaurants instead of cooking elaborate meals.
Dashain is also a peak shopping season. Markets are crowded with people buying clothes, gadgets, and household items. Businesses offer festive discounts, making it the busiest time of year for retailers.
For children, Dashain means new clothes, pocket money, and endless games. For adults, it is a much-needed holiday to relax and spend time with family. For the elderly, it is the joy of seeing their children and grandchildren come home.
Despite modernization, the essence of Dashain—family, blessings, and cultural pride—remains unchanged.
Dashain and Tourism in Nepal
For travelers, Dashain offers a unique opportunity to witness Nepal at its most vibrant. The festival showcases cultural richness, religious devotion, and joyous social life. Streets in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan are decorated with lights and filled with markets selling clothes, toys, and food. Rural areas come alive with bamboo swings, gatherings, and feasts.
Visitors can observe rituals in temples, such as Durga Puja, and experience the warm hospitality of Nepali families. For those trekking or traveling outside the capital, the countryside during Dashain is equally mesmerizing. Clear skies, fresh harvest fields, and festive villages create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Tourists should also be mindful that some businesses and government offices remain closed during the peak days, particularly on Vijaya Dashami. However, this is an advantage for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in local celebrations rather than conventional tourist attractions.
Dashain Among the Nepali Diaspora
Dashain is not limited to Nepal’s borders. Millions of Nepalis living abroad celebrate it with equal enthusiasm. Communities in countries like India, the United States, Australia, the UK, and the Middle East organize gatherings where people exchange Tika, Jamara, and blessings.
For many living abroad, Dashain is a way to stay connected with their roots. Nepali organizations often host cultural programs, feasts, and rituals, recreating the festive spirit far from home. Though the celebrations may not be as grand as in Nepal, the sense of unity and nostalgia makes Dashain equally meaningful for the diaspora.
Cultural Values of Dashain
Dashain is more than a religious observance—it is a cultural phenomenon that reinforces values central to Nepali society.
- Family Unity
Families scattered across different places return to their ancestral homes. Elders pass blessings and wisdom to the younger generation, creating a cycle of respect and continuity. - Spiritual Devotion
Worship of Goddess Durga reflects the belief in divine protection, strength, and justice. It is a reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil. - Social Bonding
Beyond families, Dashain fosters community spirit. Friends, neighbors, and relatives gather, strengthening social harmony. - Tradition and Identity
The festival serves as a cultural anchor, reminding Nepalis of their heritage. Despite modernization and global influences, Dashain continues to be an unshakable part of national identity.
Dashain 2025: Key Dates
For those planning to celebrate or travel in Nepal during Dashain 2025, here are the important dates:
| Festival Moment | Gregorian Date | Nepali Date (2082 BS) |
|---|---|---|
| Ghatasthapana | Sept 22, 2025 | Ashwin 6 |
| Phulpati | Sept 29, 2025 | Ashoj 13 |
| Maha Ashtami | Sept 30, 2025 | Ashoj 14 |
| Maha Navami | Oct 1, 2025 | Ashoj 15 |
| Bijaya Dashami | Oct 2, 2025 | Ashoj 16 |
| Kojagrat Purnima | Oct 6, 2025 | Ashoj 20 |
These dates may vary slightly based on lunar calendars and local traditions, but they provide a clear timeline of when the main celebrations take place.
Dashain and the Nepali Economy
Beyond cultural and religious aspects, Dashain has a massive impact on the economy. It is the busiest shopping season of the year, often compared to Christmas in Western countries or Diwali in India. From clothing to electronics, businesses see record sales.
Transportation companies also experience a surge as millions of people travel to their hometowns. Airlines, buses, and taxis run at full capacity. Additionally, remittances from abroad increase, as Nepalis living overseas send money home to support festival expenses.
This economic dimension adds to the importance of Dashain, making it not just a cultural highlight but also an annual economic driver.
Travel Tips for Visitors During Dashain
- Plan in Advance – Flights and bus tickets sell out quickly during Dashain, so booking early is essential.
- Experience Local Traditions – Join a Nepali family if invited; it is the best way to understand the rituals.
- Respect Rituals – Some traditions, like animal sacrifices, may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for visitors. It is important to observe respectfully.
- Enjoy the Food – Don’t miss traditional Dashain dishes such as sel roti, mutton curry, and homemade liquor.
- Expect Closures – Many government offices and businesses remain closed during the main festival days.
Conclusion
Dashain is much more than Nepal’s biggest festival—it is a celebration of life, unity, and cultural heritage. Rooted in mythology yet thriving in modern life, it embodies the victory of good over evil, the bond of family, and the spirit of community.
Over 15 days, Dashain weaves together devotion, feasting, travel, and tradition. From the planting of Jamara on Ghatasthapana to the blessings of elders on Vijaya Dashami and the quiet prayers of Kojagrat Purnima, every moment carries meaning.
For Nepalis, Dashain is an annual reminder of who they are and where they come from. For travelers, it is a chance to experience Nepal at its most festive and welcoming. Whether celebrated in the hills of rural villages, the bustling streets of Kathmandu, or faraway lands where Nepali communities reside, Dashain continues to unite hearts and inspire joy.
As Nepal moves forward, Dashain remains timeless—an eternal festival of blessings, togetherness, and triumph.
