Dashain (Vijaya Dashami)

Introduction

Dashain is the most significant and widely celebrated Hindu festival in Nepal. It honours the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Dashain is deeply rooted in the Hindu religious tradition, but its cultural importance transcends religious boundaries, as people of different faiths also participate in the celebrations. The festival also reflects Nepal’s rural
culture, marking the end of the monsoon season and celebrating harvest time.

Celebration

Family reunions, feasts, and various rituals mark Dashain. The festival spans 15 days, during which homes are cleaned and decorated, symbolising the welcoming of the goddess. Special pujas (rituals) are conducted to honour Durga, and animal sacrifices are offered to appease the goddess and seek blessings. On the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami, family members receive blessings in the form of “tika” (a mixture of rice, yoghurt, and vermilion) and “jamara” (barley seedlings) from elders. This is one of the most awaited moments, as it signifies familial bonds and the continuation of blessings from one
generation to the next.

Duration and Timing

According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Dashain lasts for 15 days, starting in the month of Ashwin (September/October). It is celebrated nationwide, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley and rural areas.

Significance

Dashain carries immense religious, cultural, and familial significance. It symbolises the triumph of virtue over vice and provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal. It is also a time of social gathering, as people from cities return to their ancestral villages to celebrate with their families. The rituals performed during Dashain are believed to bring good fortune and ensure protection from evil forces for the coming year.