In the heart of the Himalayas, as the monsoon clouds recede and the skies turn a brilliant azure, Nepal prepares for its most significant and joyous celebration: Dashain. Known as Vijaya Dashami, it is more than just a festival; it is the cultural heartbeat of the nation, a grand tapestry woven with threads of faith, mythology, family bonds, and vibrant traditions. Spanning 15 days, Dashain is a profound journey that encapsulates the victory of good over evil and the renewal of social and spiritual bonds. This article delves into the rich tapestry of this festival, exploring the significance of each day and the customs that define this cherished period.
The Mythological Foundation: Why Dashain is Celebrated
The essence of Dashain is rooted in powerful Hindu epics, primarily symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over malevolence. The two most prominent legends associated with the festival are:
The Victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasur: The first nine days, known as Navaratri, are dedicated to Goddess Durga in her nine different forms. The legend tells of the buffalo demon, Mahishasur, whose tyranny terrorized both gods and humans. Unable to defeat him, the gods combined their divine energies to create Goddess Durga, a powerful manifestation of Shakti (divine feminine power). After a fierce, nine-day battle, she vanquished Mahishasur on the tenth day, restoring peace and order to the universe. Dashain celebrates this ultimate victory of good over evil.
Lord Rama's Victory over Ravana: As chronicled in the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, invoked the blessings of Goddess Durga before embarking on his final battle against the ten-headed demon king, Ravana, who had abducted his wife, Sita. After receiving her divine grace, Rama defeated and killed Ravana on the tenth day, Vijayadashami. Thus, the day symbolizes the victory (Vijaya) of righteousness.
These powerful narratives provide the spiritual bedrock upon which the 15 days of Dashain are built, each day marked by specific rituals and observances.
The 15-Day Journey of Dashain: A Day-by-Day Guide
The festival unfolds over a fortnight, with the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and fifteenth days holding particular importance.
Day 1: Ghatasthapana (Sowing the Seeds of Sanctity)
The festival commences with Ghatasthapana, which literally means "to establish a pot." On this day, families purify a room and place a sacred kalash (a pot) filled with holy water. They sow barley, maize, and sesame seeds in a sand-filled tray, creating a small, sanctified garden known as the "Jamara." This pot, representing Goddess Durga, is kept away from sunlight and watered daily. The sprouting yellow jamara is a central element of the final Tika ceremony.
Days 2-6: Dedicated Observance
These days are less elaborate but involve continued devotion. People offer daily prayers to the Ghatasthapana kalash, and the jamara is tenderly cared for. It is a time for preparation, shopping for new clothes, and beginning the journey to reunite with family.
Day 7: Fulpati (The Royal Offering of Flowers)
Fulpati, meaning "flowers and leaves," marks a significant escalation in the festivities. Traditionally, a royal procession would bring the Fulpati—a collection of nine sacred ingredients including flowers, banana stalks, and sugar cane—from the ancestral palace of Gorkha to the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace in Kathmandu. Today, this ceremony is still held with great pomp at the Dashain Ghar in Kathmandu, attended by government officials and the public. For ordinary households, it is the day they bring their own Fulpati into their prayer rooms.
Day 8: Maha Asthami (The Night of Sacrifice)
Maha Asthami is the day of fierce appeasement. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fierce form of Durga. The most prominent ritual on this day is the sacrifice of animals—goats, buffaloes, ducks, and chickens—to the goddess, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the shedding of negative tendencies within oneself. The night of Asthami is known as "Kal Ratri" (Black Night), and it is believed the goddess’s power is at its peak. Families prepare a feast of sacrificial meat, known as "Kacchi," which is shared as a blessed offering.
Day 9: Maha Navami (The Final Day of Worship)
The ninth day is the last day of Navaratri. On this day, official sacrifices are held at the Hanuman Dhoka palace and temples across the country. A key ritual is the worship of vehicles, tools, and instruments. From cars and motorcycles to household knives and even school books, everything is cleaned, revered, and offered vermilion and jamara. This practice, known as "Vahana Puja," acknowledges the role these objects play in our lives and asks for the goddess's blessing for their safe and productive use. This day also sees the ceremonial blessing of the nation's military forces.
Day 10: Vijaya Dashami (The Day of Victory and Tika)
This is the pinnacle of Dashain. Vijaya Dashami is the day when elders apply Tika—a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion—on the foreheads of their younger relatives. They also bestow blessings and the sacred yellow jamara on their heads. This ritual is a powerful affirmation of family ties, respect for elders, and the love for the younger generation. Accompanied by the Shubha Deepawali (auspicious blessing) "जय दुर्गे भवानी!" (Long live Goddess Durga!) and "दशैंको शुभकामना!" (Happy Dashain!), the exchange of Tika is accompanied by gifts, usually money (Dakshina). Homes are filled with laughter, joy, and the constant stream of visiting relatives.
Days 11-15: Continuing the Blessings
The Tika ceremony continues for the next five days. It is a time for socializing, feasting, and visiting those relatives you couldn't meet on the main day. The festival period allows for an extended celebration of family and community.
Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima (The Final Day)
The fifteenth day, the full moon day, is known as Kojagrat Purnima, which means "who is awake." It is believed that Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, descends to earth on this night and blesses those who are awake. People spend the night playing cards, singing, and enjoying special treats like sel roti and yogurt. This day marks the official end of the Dashain festival.
The Cultural and Social Fabric of Dashain
Beyond the rituals, Dashain is a profound social and cultural event.
Family Reunions: Much like Thanksgiving in the West, Dashain triggers the largest annual migration in Nepal. People living abroad or in different cities make it a priority to return to their ancestral homes, making it a powerful reaffirmation of family roots.
Feasting and Food: Dashain is a gastronomic delight. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly fried "Sel Roti" (a ring-shaped rice doughnut) and "Mutton Curry" (the meat from the sacrifices). Families relish a variety of delicacies, sharing meals and strengthening bonds.
Kite Flying and Swings: The skies of Nepal during Dashain are a kaleidoscope of colorful kites. Kite flying is not just a game; it is a symbolic act of sending a message to the gods to stop sending rain. Similarly, temporary bamboo swings, known as "ping," are constructed in communities. Swinging high towards the sky is considered a way to touch the divine and is a source of immense joy, especially for children.
New Clothes and Gambling: Wearing new clothes is a staple of the celebration, symbolizing a fresh start. It is also socially and culturally acceptable for families to engage in friendly games of cards and dice, adding a layer of playful excitement to the nights.
Experiencing Dashain as a Visitor
For tourists, witnessing Dashain is a unique cultural immersion. While many businesses close as people go home, the atmosphere is electric. You can witness public ceremonies at temples like the Dakshinkali and Taleju, see the vibrant kite-flying culture, and feel the palpable joy in the air. It is a time to respect local traditions, and if you are invited to a Nepali home for Tika, it is considered a great honor—a genuine glimpse into the heart of Nepali culture.
Conclusion: The Eternal Spirit of Dashain
Dashain is more than a religious mandate; it is the soul of Nepal. It is a time when the nation pauses to honor its myths, cherish its families, and celebrate life itself. From the solemn sowing of the jamara on Ghatasthapana to the joyous, colorful Tika of Vijaya Dashami, the 15-day festival is a powerful reminder of the enduring values of love, respect, and the eternal hope that good will always prevail over evil. It rejuvenates the spirit, strengthens community bonds, and leaves an indelible mark of joy and unity on the entire nation, year after year.
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