Dashain – Nepal's Grandest Festival of Unity and Blessings

Dashain – Nepal's Grandest Festival of Unity and Blessings

When it comes to festivals in Nepal, Dashain holds a special place in every heart. Known as Vijaya Dashami, this festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. यो चाड हिन्दु धर्मअनुसार देवी दुर्गाले महिषासुरलाई पराजित गरेको सम्झनामा मनाइन्छ। Dashain is not only a religious event, but also a cultural celebration of family, faith, and unity.

📅 Dashain ko Samaya – When Is It Celebrated?

Dashain usually falls in the months of September or October, according to the lunar calendar. The festival spans 15 days — from Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnima. Each day has its own cultural and religious significance.

• Ghatasthapana: The festival begins by planting jamara in a Kalash, a sacred vessel representing goddess Durga.
• Phulpati: The seventh day where symbolic items from Gorkha are brought to Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu.
• Maha Ashtami: Known for the worship of Durga and animal sacrifices in traditional communities.
• Maha Nawami: Weapons are worshipped; vehicles and tools are blessed for protection and success.
• Vijaya Dashami: On this day, elders offer tika and jamara to younger ones with blessings for progress and prosperity.
• Kojagrat Purnima: The final day, dedicated to goddess Laxmi for wealth and good fortune.

🏠 Dashain is About Family, Faith, and Coming Home

During Dashain, Nepalis from all over the world come home. यो पर्वको बेला घर फर्कने परम्परा त झनै विशेष हुन्छ। Offices, schools, and businesses close for up to two weeks, making it the longest and most awaited holiday of the year. Families gather, clean and repaint their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare feasts.

The highlight is tika and jamara, received from elders with heartfelt blessings. घरभित्र रमाइलो, हाँसो र स्नेहको वातावरण छाउँछ। Even those who have moved abroad emotionally connect to home through video calls and online blessings.

🧧 Cultural & Religious Significance

Dashain carries layers of meaning. Religiously, it celebrates Durga's triumph over evil, symbolizing divine justice. Culturally, it represents reunion, renewal, and respect for traditions. यो पर्वले पारिवारिक सम्बन्ध बलियो बनाउँछ र पिढीहरूलाई जोड्ने पुलको काम गर्छ।

People also purchase new clothes (especially for children), clean their surroundings, and fly kites — symbolizing the joy of freedom. Swing sets (ping) are set up in villages, bringing joy to all generations. Goat and buffalo sacrifices are common in rural areas as offerings to gods, though vegetarian practices are also growing.

🛍️ Dashain Economy – A Time of Spending and Sharing

Dashain boosts Nepal's economy. From garment shops to electronics, from meat markets to temples – everything is buzzing. People buy clothes, mobile phones, and household goods. सरकारले बोनस दिन्छ, मजदुरहरूलाई दशैं खर्च दिन्छ। Even transport businesses see a surge due to people returning home.

This festival is a time of both spiritual and financial generosity. Many people also donate to the poor or help relatives in need during this time.

🪁 Traditional Fun – Kites, Ping, and Childhood Memories

Children love Dashain for the holidays, new clothes, and meat dishes. But above all, flying kites (changas) and playing on tall bamboo swings brings the most excitement.

"Changa chait" echoes from rooftops, and skilled fliers try to cut others' kites. Villages install large rayo ping made of bamboo and rope, where even adults forget their age and swing with joy.

🪔 Spiritual Reflection

In the modern world, where time and technology pull people apart, Dashain reminds us to pause, reflect, and reconnect. यो पर्वले हामीलाई हाम्रो जरा सम्झाउँछ, हाम्रो संस्कार र मूल्यमा फर्काउँछ। Families mend broken ties, friends meet again, and elders are honored with love and tika.

🔚 Conclusion

Dashain is not just a festival — it is an experience. An emotion. A reminder of who we are as Nepalis. यो हाम्रो चाड हो, हाम्रो संस्कृति हो, र हाम्रो आत्मा हो। In a world that's constantly changing, Dashain stays the same – bringing joy, blessings, and unity year after year.