Dashain is one of the most important Hindu festival in
Nepal which falls in the month of September or October and is actually
celebrated for 15 days. It starts from bright lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha)
and ends on the day of full moon (Poornima) according to Nepalese annual
calendar. Hindus greatest festival, Dashain honors a great conquest of the gods
over the evil demons. The symbol of power, Goddess Durga is worshiped during
this festival. One of the victory stories according to the Hindu myths reveals
that a demon named ‘Mahisasur’ who spread horror was killed by Goddess Durga.
And, the first nine day of Dashain represents the constant battle between vice
and virtue. And, the tenth day signifies the triumph of good over evil. Another
Hindu legend ‘Ramayana’ discloses that Dashain symbolizing as the triumph of
Ram (vice) over Ravan (virtue) with the blessings of Goddess Durga.
The first day of Dashain is Ghatasthapana, on this
day, people fill a vessel with soil and sow maize, wheat and barley seeds and
is covered in the area with low light and watered daily till tenth day of
Dashain. On the seventh day, Phulpati is celebrated which is also known as
‘Saptami’. The eight day is regarded as Maha Aastami. On this day, animals like
buffaloes, ducks, goats, hens are sacrificed to Goddess Kali and the meat is
taken as ‘Prasad’ (holy food). The night of this day is called the dark night-
‘Kal Ratri’. Maha Navami is the ninth day of Dashain. On this day, craftsman,
mechanics, traders etc worship their equipment and tools by sacrificing
different animals and offering it to equipment. The tenth day is named as
Vijaya Dashami which is the most important day of this festival. On the tenth
day, younger ones in a family receive Tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice and
vermilion), Jamara (planted on the first day of Dashain) and blessings from
elders as well as respected people.
This festival is in fact the ceremony of reunion and
fun. People living far away from home or homeland, revisit their home and get
together with their families. Similarly, parents buy new clothes to their
children. People enjoy eating mouth-watering foods and playing a lot of games
including cards. People invite guests, organize feast, visit their relatives’
houses, fly kites, build bamboo swings and get involved in various entertaining
activities.
After Dashain everyone settles back to normal. After
receiving the blessing of goddess Durga, people are ready to work and acquire
virtue, power and wealth. Dashain thus is not only the longest festival but
also the most anticipated one among all the festivals of Nepal.
