- October 15, 2024
- Nepal
Dashain Festival, the most important national festival.
VIJAYA DASHAMI
The most important national festival of Nepal Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Nepal and among Nepali communities around the world. It typically falls in September or October and lasts for 15 days. Dashain honors the goddess Durga and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
The festival involves several rituals, including the worship of Durga, family reunions, and the blessing of elders. People often receive Tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) and jamara (barley grass) during this time. Dashain is also a time for feasting, exchanging gifts, and celebrating cultural traditions. The festival has deep cultural and religious significance, marking the harvest season and the end of the monsoon. It fosters a sense of community and reinforces familial bonds.
The Dashain festival serves as a significant catalyst for promoting tourism in Nepal. Taking place in
October, which is the peak tourist season, the festival attracts many visitors who immerse themselves in its vibrant celebrations and create lasting memories to take home. Basanta Adventure organizes Festival Tours to showcase major festivals in Nepal, allowing guests to participate in authentic rituals for a memorable experience
THE CEREMONY ON NAWAMI:
Nawami is a day of reverence, protection, and seeking strength, marking the peak of Dashain’s spiritual fervor. The next day, Vijaya Dashami, celebrates the final victory. During Maha Navami the focus is on worshiping the goddess Durga in her fierce forms, such as Kali. It is a day dedicated to celebrating power and protection. Worship of Vehicles and Tools Known as Astra Puja or Ayudha Puja, people worship their vehicles, tools, and machinery to seek blessings for safety and prosperity. This tradition is particularly significant for individuals in industries like construction or transportation. Vehicles and machinery are cleaned, decorated, and offered sacrifices.
Military Significance/ The day also has military importance. The army performs rituals and sacrifices to worship their weapons, symbolizing the divine power that Durga grants in defeating enemies.
THE CEREMONY ON DASHAMI:
The Tika ceremony is a significant ritual during the Dashain festival, particularly on Vijaya Dashami, the main day of celebration. On this day, elders apply a sacred mixture of red vermilion powder (abir), yogurt, and rice to the foreheads of younger family members, bestowing blessings for prosperity, health, and triumph over evil.
As part of the tradition, Jamara (barley sprouts) are also placed behind the ears, symbolizing the
blessings of the goddess Durga. This ritual not only conveys spiritual significance but also serves as a vital opportunity for family reunification. Many individuals travel from abroad to participate in the festival and receive blessings from their elders, fostering harmony, compassion, and strong bonds among family members.
