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Dashain Festival In Nepal
Dashain festival in Nepal is the longest and most auspicious festival in Nepal. Dashain is a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is usually celebrated for 15 days with various rituals. This festival is significant in its own right. This joyous festival also provides an excellent opportunity for family gatherings and get-togethers.
Nepal, also known as the “country of festivals,” is one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Every year, this country, rich in diversity, religions, culture, creed, and languages, celebrates its main festival Dashain. It is the largest and most spectacular Nepalese festival, held between September and October.
The most important days are the 1st, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th of the month of Ashwin, beginning with the Shukla Paksha (bright lunar fortnight) and ending with Purnima, the full moon. Dashain is thought to be the festival of triumph over evil.
The major significance of the Dashain Festival
The Dashain festival is significant in Nepal because it depicts the triumph of good over evil. Dashain is a Shakti festival that commemorates the victory of the goddess Parvati. Shaktism is a Hindu tradition in which metaphysical reality is regarded as metaphorically feminine. In this belief system, female energy is superior. In Shaktism, Shakti is the supreme godhead.
According to legend, the Mahisasura (demon) instilled fear in Devaloka, and Durga killed the monster with her power. As a result, the Dashain festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil. The previous nine days represent Durga’s various forms and battles with Mahishasura, while the tenth day means the day Durga defeated Mahishasura.
History of Dashain
According to legend, Goddess Durga rode a Tigerish while holding ten other powerful weapons such as a lotus, a conch, flame, trishuli, snake, mace, chakra, sword, bow, and arrow to battle the devil. Lord Durga Maa fought the demon buffalo Mahishasura for 9 days, day and night.
Goddess Durga successfully killed Mahishasura and saved the entire heaven from the devil. To honor Durga’s bravery, Nepal’s monarch referred to her as “the sacred defender.” Because the deity fought for 9 days and won, the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, which translates to “Victory on the Tenth Day.”
Ghatasthapana
The first day is referred to as Ghatasthapana. On this day, people sow maize or barley seeds in a pot covered with cow dung, then place them on a sand block. It eventually develops into Jamara, used on Dashain’s main day. People apply Tika (red powdered rice) and Jamara to their brows.
Fulpati
The seventh day is known as Fulpati, also known as Saptami. It comprises two words: ‘Phool’ (flower) and ‘Pati’ (leaves). Saptami is celebrated by bringing the Fulpati (flower and leaves) into the puja room ( prayers room). For the arrival of Dashain, the prayer room is decorated with various flowers and leaves. According to legend, all types of Fulpati make all nine goddesses happy and bless us with multiple forms of happiness, good health, and wealth. Banana plant, Pomegranate (Daarim), Rice stalk (Dhaan ko bala), Turmeric plant (Haldi), Ginger plant (Aduwa), Wood apple tree (Bel ko bot), Ashok plant, Jayanti plant, and Manabriksha are some of the ingredients used in Fulpati. In Nepal, these nine elements complete the procession of Fulpati puja.
Maha Ashthami
The eighth day is Maha Ashtami or Kal Ratri ( Dark Night). People pay homage to the Goddesses Durga and Kali ( Hindu Goddess) on this day. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga reveals her ferocious side and Goddess Kali through the sacrifice of animals such as goats, buffalos, hens, and sheep. People used to eat the meat of such animals to appease the Goddess and to celebrate Dashain until the last day of Dashain.
The ritual of breaking coconuts is popular among vegetarians and vegans. Vegetarianism rejects the culture of animal sacrifice and opposes the process. To please Goddess Bhagawati, breaking a coconut in front of her is customary.
Maha Navami
The ninth day is known as Maha Navami. On Mahanavami, Vishwakarma, the god of creation, is worshiped because it is believed that all things that help us make a living should be pleased. Furthermore, because it is believed that worshiping vehicles on this day prevents accidents throughout the year, all vehicles, from bikes to cars to trucks, are worshiped on this day. The last day of Navaratri is also known as Maha Navami. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Kali and Durga.
Vijaya Dashami
The tenth day is known as Vijaya Dashami. On this day, people put tika and Jamara to their brows. They go to their relatives’ houses and have a good time. People play cards as well as swing. People are advised to play swing at least once a year to get their feet off the ground. The elders bless and give money to the juniors. This day is marked by consuming delicious foods and wearing new clothes. Moreover, this festival continues for five days until the full moon night.
Final Day
The festival’s final day, which falls on the full moon day, is known as ‘Kojagrata Purnima.’ The literal translation of Kojagrata is ‘who is awake.’ On this day, Goddess Laxmi, the
Goddess of wealth is worshiped because it is believed that Goddess Laxmi descends on earth and showers anyone awake all night with wealth and prosperity.
During the Dashain festival, people from all over the world visit Nepal. This is also the time of year when the weather is pleasant and cool. So, visiting Nepal and witnessing this festival during this time is a must.
Hindu Mythology of Dashain
Dashain celebrations are associated with the Ramayana, according to Hindu mythology. According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Ram is a highly praised king, and Ravan is cruel and powerful demon energy. According to the Ramayana, the first nine days are battle days in which Ram fought Ravan for the welfare of his followers, and on the tenth day, Ram defeated Ravan using his battle techniques. This day is considered auspicious, and the triumph of good over evil is celebrated.
Things to do in Dashain
Dashain offers a plethora of activities. If you practice Hinduism, you are probably aware of the Dashain festival in Nepal. It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by most Nepalese, as they are Hindus. Dashain’s festivities and games make this festival an enjoyable retreat. If you want to attend a typical Dashain festival in Nepal, you can probably ask your operator to make arrangements.
Dashain’s major activities include kite flying, temple worship, playing cards, buying new clothes, family gatherings, receiving blessings from elders, cleaning the surroundings, painting the house, and so on.
Dashain is a charming festival with significant religious significance. The gatherings and celebrations make it more enjoyable, and people from all over Nepal participate in the Festival.
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