Dashain: किन मनाइन्छ र यसको धार्मिक, पारिवारिक महत्त्व

Dashain – Nepal's Grandest Festival of Unity and Blessings

When we talk about festivals in Nepal, the first name that comes to mind is undoubtedly Dashain. Dashain is more than just a religious event — it is a deep expression of Nepalese values, family ties, cultural rituals, and centuries-old traditions. यो पर्व असत्यमाथि सत्यको विजयको प्रतीक मानिन्छ र हिन्दु धर्मअनुसार देवी दुर्गाले महिषासुर नामक राक्षसलाई पराजित गरेको उत्सव स्वरूप मनाइन्छ।

📅 कति दिनको चाड हो Dashain?

Dashain typically lasts for 15 days — starting from Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnima. The most significant days are:

• Ghatasthapana: The day of planting Jamara in a sacred Kalash.
• Phulpati: Symbolic arrival of goddess Durga's blessings.
• Asthami & Nawami: Days of animal sacrifices and rituals.
• Dashami: The most important day, when elders offer tika and jamara.
• Kojagrat Purnima: Goddess Laxmi is worshipped for prosperity.

🏠 Family Reunions and Social Importance

During Dashain, family members return home from different corners of Nepal and abroad. This festival becomes a reason for a grand reunion. Tika lagai-sakepachi, blessings are shared — "शुभ आशीर्वाद" is whispered while putting tika and jamara. त्यो एक पलमा, जेठा व्यक्तिले साना पुस्तालाई जीवनमा सफल हुने कामना गर्छन्।

Children look forward to Dashain for many reasons — new clothes, delicious food, swing rides (ping), and of course, Dashain ko dakshina (pocket money from elders). Villages echo with laughter, urban homes are decorated with flowers and lights, and the whole country seems to be in celebration.

📿 Rituals and Their Meaning

Dashain rituals are deeply symbolic. Jamara, the sacred barley shoots grown during Ghatasthapana, represent prosperity. Tika, made from rice, curd, and vermilion, symbolizes blessings and protection. कुखुरा, बाख्रा, र राँगाको बलि दिनु परम्परागत रूपमा शक्ति र सुरक्षाको प्रतीक हो। However, modern families also choose to celebrate without animal sacrifices.

🌍 Dashain Across Regions

While Dashain is primarily celebrated by Hindus, even Buddhist and Kirat communities participate in it with respect and love. Each region has its own unique traditions — for example, in the Terai, people celebrate with jhilimili lights and musical processions. In the hilly areas, swings and community feasts are common.

✈️ Dashain For Nepalis Living Abroad

For millions of Nepali people living abroad, Dashain is an emotional time. कुनै बेला चिठीमा dashain को खबर आउने, अहिले भने भिडियो call मार्फत tika लगाउने समय आएको छ। Yet, the feeling of receiving virtual tika from parents is still filled with love and nostalgia. Many families send jamara through courier just to keep the connection alive.

🎉 Dashain in the Modern Era

In recent years, Dashain has evolved. While the spiritual value remains intact, youth often celebrate by traveling, gifting gadgets, or holding gatherings with friends. Despite urbanization, the value of blessing from elders, wearing traditional dresses, and the joy of being together still holds strong.

🔚 Conclusion

Dashain is not just a religious festival — it is a celebration of victory, family, tradition, and love. यसले हाम्रो संस्कृति, धर्म र समर्पणलाई बाँचाइरहेको छ। From the smell of tika to the laughter of children on swings, every element of Dashain brings our souls closer to home. Whether you are in Kathmandu, London, or Sydney — Dashain ko tika, jamara, ra maya kahile पनि टाढा हुँदैन।