Dashain festival is the longest and the most auspicious Nepalese festival. Dashain festival is specially dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is generally celebrated for 15 days with different rituals. This festival has its own importance. This is a festival of merry making and also provides a platform for family gatherings and get together.
Nepal, also known as the country of festivals, is one of the most beautiful countries of the world. This country, full of diversities, religions, culture, creed and languages, celebrate their main festival Dashain every year. It is the biggest and the most astounding Nepalese festivals which generally falls in between September and October.
Brief Details about Dashain Festival Celebration process in Nepal
Starting from the Shukla Paksha (bright lunar fortnight) of the month of Ashwin and ending on Purnima, the full moon, the most important days are the 1st, 7th,8th, 9th and 10th. Dashain is believed to be the festival for celebrating victory over evil. The first day is called Ghatasthapana. On this day, people sow the seeds of either maize or barley in a pot covered with cow dung and is later put on sand block. It later grows as Jamara which is used on the main day of the Dashain. People put Tika (rice mixed with red powder) and Jamara on their forehead.
The 7th day is called Fulpati. People take Pati and flowers inside their house and get ready for the main day. The 8th day is called Maha Astami. On this day, people sacrifice animals like sheep, goat, and buffalo to Goddess Durga. Then the meat is used for the celebrations. The 9th day is called Maha Navami. On Mahanavami, Vishwakarma, the god of creation, is worshiped as it thought that all the things which help us in making a living should be pleased. Moreover, since it is believed that worshipping the vehicles on this day avoids accidents for the year all the vehicles from bikes, cars to trucks are worshiped on this day.
10th day is the main day of Dashain Festival
The last day is called Vijaya Dashami. On this day, people put tika and Jamara on their forehead. They visit their relatives house and enjoy this day merrily. People play cards and also play swing. It is believed that people should play swing at least once in a year to leave their feet off their ground. Elders give blessings and money to the juniors. This day is celebrated by eating tasty delicacies and wearing new clothes. This festival is celebrated for five more days till the full moon night.
The last day of the festival which lies on the full moon day is called ‘Kojagrata’ Purnima. The verbatim meaning of Kojagrata is ‘who is awake’. On this day Goddess Laxmi who is believed to be the goddess of wealth is worshiped as it believed that Goddess Laxmi descends on earth and showers whoever is awake all night with wealth and prosperity.
People from different countries visit Nepal during this Dashain festival. This is also the high time when the weather is favorable and cool. So, visiting Nepal and observing this festival during this time is a must do activity.