How Dashain is Celebrated in Nepal: Traditions, Rituals & Guide
Dashain is Nepal's largest Hindu festival — a season of family reunions, blessings, and cultural rituals that celebrate the victory of good over evil. This guide covers the meaning, rituals, food, modern changes, and practical tips for visitors.
What is Dashain & Why It Matters ?
Dashain (Vijaya Dashami) celebrates Goddess Durga defeating the buffalo demon Mahishasur: a symbol of good triumphing over evil. The festival is tightly connected to the agricultural calendar as it follows the monsoon season and coincides with the harvest, making it both religious and seasonal.
When and How Long ?
Dashain typically lasts 15 days, though the core observances are concentrated in the first 10 days. Key observances include Ghatasthapana (day 1), Phulpati (day 7), Maha Ashtami (day 8), Nawami (day 9), and Vijaya Dashami / Tika Day (day 10).
Key Rituals & Important Days:
| Day | Name | Rituals & Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ghatasthapana | Kalash (sacred pot) established; barley or maize sown to grow jamara. Puja begins. |
| Day 7 | Phulpati | Floral offerings, banana stalks and jamara are gathered and ceremonially presented. |
| Day 8 | Maha Ashtami | Major worship and animal sacrifices in many temples; fasting and special pujas. |
| Day 9 | Nawami | More worship, offerings to tools and animals; final rituals before tika. |
| Day 10 | Vijaya Dashami / Tika Day | Elders put tika and jamara and blessings to family; gifts exchanged. |
Customs & Festive Practices:
Several customs define the Dashain experience:
- Tika & Jamara: Elders bless younger family members with tika (a mix of vermilion, rice and yogurt) and jamara (sacred grass).
- Animal Sacrifice: Sacrifices of goats, buffaloes and other animals still occur in many places, especially on Maha Ashtami and Nawami, though this practice faces growing criticism.
- Swings (Ping): Bamboo swings are erected in villages; they’re a playful and traditional part of the festivities.
- Kite Flying: Skies are filled with kites — a joyful, communal activity enjoyed by all ages.
- Card Games & Gambling: Social card games are part of the revelry for many households.
Food, Gifts & Attire
Dashain features:
- New Clothes: Wearing new clothes is customary: markets see heavy shopping activity leading up to the festival.
- Feasting: Family meals with meat (goat, buffalo), rice dishes and traditional sweets like sel roti and mithai are central to celebrations.
- Gifts & Dakshina: Elders give money (dakshina), gifts and blessings to younger family members.
Modern Changes & Criticisms;
Urbanization, overseas employment and changing values have altered some Dashain practices. Swings and communal gatherings are less common in big cities, and debates about animal sacrifice and environmental impacts are shaping modern observances.
Social & Economic Impacts;
Dashain drives a seasonal migration (people travel home from cities and abroad), boosts local economies through shopping and food sales, and reinforces cultural unity across Nepal.
Tips for Visitors;
- Respect rituals and local sentiments if you attend a puja or receive tika.
- Plan travel early, roads and transport fill up quickly around Dashain.
- Try seasonal foods and local sweets; join kite-flying or swing activities where invited.
- Be mindful of animal sacrifice rituals, observe respectfully and ask hosts about alternatives if concerned.
Conclusion:
Dashain is both an emotional and cultural pillar for Nepalis: from sowing jamara to receiving tika, it blends mythology, family, and seasonal renewal. Though modern life is changing how people celebrate, Dashain’s core — reunion, blessing, and celebration — remains strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dashain celebrated each year?
Dashain usually falls in September or October. The exact dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar — Ghatasthapana marks the start and Vijaya Dashami (Tika day) is the 10th day.
What is the significance of Tika and Jamara?
Tika is a paste of rice, yogurt and vermilion that elders place on younger relatives' foreheads as blessings. Jamara are sacred sprouts grown during the festival and given alongside tika.
Is animal sacrifice required during Dashain?
Animal sacrifice is a traditional ritual in many places, especially on Maha Ashtami and Nawami. However, many families now choose symbolic or vegetarian offerings in response to animal welfare concerns.
Any tips for visitors during Dashain?
Be respectful of rituals, accept tika graciously if offered, try local foods, and plan travel well in advance because roads and services can be very busy.
