Dashain festival a Cultural Tour in Nepal Grandest Celebration
The Dashain festival is the greatest and most significant celebration across Nepal. In the Dashain festival, it will unite the communities around the country with Hindu rituals, family gatherings, cultural traditions, and harmony. Dashain is the biggest festivals in Nepal celebrated all over the Nepalese community. Dashain is also called Bijaya Dashami, Nauratna, and Bada Dashain festival. The major god worshiped in Dashain is the goddess, Durga. The word "Nauratha" means 9 nights. There is a history about Nauratha, in which God Durga and devils had an apocalyptic war, and it lasted for 9 nights. Hence, in the nine-night festival, the goddess Durga defeats the devils, and on the tenth day of the war, the goddess Durga and her family celebrate the victory. They put Tika in their head, gather the families and relatives, and share the happiness of victory. Thus, since that time, the Hindu culture has started to celebrate the Dashain festival.
Indeed, the Dashain festival is celebrated by all the religions in Nepal, mainly Hindu and Buddhist cultures, but even other religions celebrate the Dashain. The Dashain festival will be celebrated in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, some parts of Pakistan, Thailand, and Indonesia. However, the major root of Dashain is in Nepal. Nowadays, globally, there are Nepalese communities for work and migration, so the Dashain festival is celebrated globally in the Nepalese communities. It will be a 15-day celebration of the Dashain festival; it’s a holiday in schools, work, and other official places. Families will return to their hometown, either from abroad or from a business town. The period from Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnima, about 15 days, is the Dashain festival, the biggest Nepalese festival, which is rich in culture and tradition.
For those travellers seeking cultural immersion and enthusiastic about Nepali culture and tradition, the beautiful Dashain festival provides you with a lifetime opportunity. Nepalese people are known as the happy nation; here is a diversity of festivals and rituals, where Dashain is one of the richest ancient festivals in Nepal. Right after Dashain, travellers will have another great festival, Tihar, which is also called Laxmi Puja.
Significance of Dashain, Its Origins and Mythology
Dashain is the biggest and most widely celebrated festival in Nepali culture and community. Despite the Hindu culture, the Dashain festival is celebrated by all Nepalese communities. According to Hindu mythology, the history of the Dashain festival is the battle between the goddess Durga and evil. The evils are led by the powerful demon king Mahishasura. The evil king Mahishasura has a boon that made him invisible to gods and men. He unrests terror with men and gods, which he wants to make his greater kingdom to the entire universe. Hence, the gods combine all power to the goddess Durga and then create a power, which is the divine feminine energy of Durga. The apocalyptic battle lasted for nine days and nights, in which Ma Durga fought Mahishasura and his demonic forces. So, in a continued fight, Mata Durga defeats the evils and Mahishasura during the 9 days and nights.
Hence, on the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami, on the celebration of the defeated ceremony, we celebrate Dashain. This victory of the goddess symbolizes the great success of righteousness over evil, which is also called Dharma. The origins of Dashain are from Hindu roots in Nepali culture. However, in the south and west parts of India, they also call it the Dussehra festival. In Nepal, the Dashain and Tihar festivals are big festivals across the country, which celebrate the entire community regardless of religion. The significance of Dashain is to be grateful to preserve the ancient culture, to have a great chance to gather friends and families, and to receive harmony and blessings from the goddess Durga. In the entire Nepalese community, the significance of Dashain is their deep feelings, happiness, and peace.
Traditions and Rituals of Dashain Festival in Nepal
During the Dashain festival, there will be various series of sacred rituals and traditions such as Ghatasthapana and Fulpati. Maha Aashtami, Navami, BVijaya Dashaimi (Tika), and Kojagrat Purnima. These rituals and traditions make the Dashain festival deep spiritually and unique culturally. The Dashain will start officially from the Day of Ghatasthapana, on which there will be worship to the Goddess Durga. Devotees will be planting the special worshiping mixture of barley, corn, paddy, and other grains. The plantation will be in the dark room of Durga Puja in the special mud. Another ritual on the seventh day of Dashain will be performing Fulpati, in which there will be special worship in the Durga temple and gathering of a variety of plants from nature, such as sugarcane, paddy, special grass, barley, banana plants, and others with all their roots.
Moreover, there will be special worship for the male animals, which will be sacrificed the next day in Maha Asthami. Hence, the eighth day will be another special day for performing the worship and ritual, which is called Maha Ashtami. During the Maha Ashtami day, the devotees will perform animal sacrifices and worship. There will be a Goddess Durga puja and animal sacrifices. Numbers of goats, lambs, local hens, buffalo, pigs, and other animals. During the Dashain festival, there will be various kinds of games played, like swing, hanging rope, high-spinning wooden swings, playing 6 dice, and many others. On the ninth day, it will be called Maha Navami, which will include animal sacrifices and Durga worship. The devotees will be celebrating the biggest day of the Dashain, which is Vijaya Dashami.
The Vijaya Dashami is the day of celebration of victory, remembering the Goddess Durga defeating Mahishasur and Daitya. Devotees will put the Tika and Jamara (10-day-old mixed grain plants, which were planted on the first day of Dashain) on their heads, and by the elder people. So, Bijaya Dashami is the celebration day; people will take wishes from the elder people by whispering wishes and putting Tika and Jamara on the head. From Vijaya Dashami to Kojagrat Purnima (the once-appearing full moon), the devotees will go around to their relatives and elderly people to get blessings. These are the rituals and traditions of the Dashain festival in Nepal.
Family Bonding and Social Unity in Dashain
During the Dashain festival there will be family bonding and social unity among the relatives, family, and friends. All the way from different parts of the world and different cities, the Nepalese community will be gathering in their hometown. Thousands of residents of Kathmandu will leave for their villages to celebrate the Dashain festival. There is a belief that getting Tika and Jamara from the elder people will bring good health, prosperity, and good times ahead. Indeed, festivals like Dashain and Tihar, traditional festivals, make for good family bonding and social units. Wearing colourful outfits and having a variety of food with the happiness and togetherness of the relatives will make our bonding closer. The elderly seniors will perform the blessing, with Tika, to their young, aged relatives and families, and then young people will give respect by bowing their heads.
The elder people will give fruits, sweets, and money as tokens of love, and young people give to the elder people gifts like sweets, chocolates, or other things as respect. All these rituals and activities will make the great family bonding and special unity of the Dashain festival in Nepali culture.
Food and Cultural Exploration During the Dashain Festival
The food and dishes during the Dashain festival will be a variety of options like meat items, sweets, nuts, Sel Roti (special Nepali rice bread), fruits, and others. The special beaten rice with varieties of meat will be the special dishes. You will have mutton Sekuwa, Chhoila, Kadai, meat BBQ, Bhuttan, Sel Roti, Kheer, etc. during the Dashain festival. There will be lots of animals sacrificed during the Dashain festival, so there will be a variety of meat items. Some people will enjoy local alcohol together with their families. Moreover, there will be local sweets, Khuwa, Raspberry, and many other chocolaty dishes. Moreover, there will be kite flying, gambling games like 6 dice, swings, and card playing. The cultural exploration in the Dashain festival will be beautiful and unique.
Experience the Dashain Festival a Culture Tour in Nepal
For those travellers enthusiastic about diverse local festivals and local culture, the Dashain festival is the best festival to experience. Travellers will have a deep expression and beautiful experience of Nepal's biggest festival, Dashain. The tour operator, like Touch Planet Treks, will promote cultural tours in Nepal. Visitors can have a beautiful homestay, participate in Tika ceremonies, have delicious festival cuisine, explore Durga’s temple, and experience the beautiful rituals. The Dashain festival falls in the autumn season, which will be September or October. The beautiful weather, clear sky, and turning golden color of the terrace rice fields will create a beautiful environment in Nepal. Hence, the Dashain festival is one of the best opportunities to explore local culture and traditions in Nepal.
How to Travel in Nepal During Dashain Festival
Traveling in Nepal during Dashain, you can set your vacation according to the Nepali calendar. The Dashain festival falls in the month of September or October according to the Bikram Sambat calendar. There will be a national holiday for the Dashain festival, which will create colorful and festive moments. Travelers can contact the best travel agencies, like Touch Planet Treks, and confirm the Dashain festival date. You can book the ticket and also book your Dashain travel package in Nepal. Travellers’ advice is to book your flight ticket early due to the fact that the closer the date, the more expensive the airline ticket will be. Travellers can arrive before the Fulpati, which is the first day of Dashain. Take around a 15-day trip plan so that you will have a deep exploration of the Dashain festival. Touch Planet Treks will arrange the hotel stay, homestay, transportation, and guides for your Dashain travel in Nepal.
Importance of Dashain Festival
The Dashain festival is about diverse culture, ancient ritual, and the bonding of families. The Dashain festival in Nepal is crucial for preserving the ancient history, culture, and traditions of the beautiful country of Nepal. The Dashain festival will provide a deep understanding of the ancient culture and traditions of Nepal. The importance of the Dashain Festival is too great; however, the major importance of the Dashain Festival is as follows.
- Religious and spiritual significance of ancient intangible heritages
- Families and social bonding with good harmony and love
- Understanding the cultural values and traditions
- Explore the beautiful and unique culture of Dashain.
- Colorful and amazing surroundings, even beautiful landscapes
- Ritual performances get blessings and spiritual vibes.
- Experience the varieties of Nepalese cuisine and delicious dishes.
- Have a day full of joy, traditional games, and adventure activities.
Popular Names of Festivals in Nepal
The popular names of the festival in Nepal is notable; however, the festival and rituals in Nepal are much bigger. The popular festivals in Nepal are Dashain, Tihar, Teej, Maghe Sakranti, Losar, Buddha Purnima, Chhath, etc. Below are the names of the festivals in Nepal.
- Dashain festival
- Tihar Bhai Tika or Laxmi Puja
- Teej Festival
- Losar festival
- Buddha Purnima
- Janaipurnima
- Indra Jatra festival in Nepal
- Chhath Pooja in Nepal
Cultural Tours in Nepal
Nepal is one of the richest travel destinations around the world for cultural tours and adventure activities. Rich culture and tradition, human civilization, diverse culture, and beautiful nature and landscapes make a Nepal tour worthwhile. Various religions, diversity, rituals, and traditions make the unique culture in Nepal. Nepal is popular for its beautiful Hindu and Buddhist culture. However, the Islamic, Christian, Sikh, and Bon communities, and others, also exist. In the Hindu community, there are Kirat culture, Newari culture, Brahmin culture, Gurung culture, Thakali culture, Magar culture, and many more. In the Buddhist culture, there are the Sherpa culture, the Tamang culture, the Lama, and others. These all-different communities will have their own rituals and cultures, which will be unique and beautiful. The popular festivals in Nepal are Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Losar, Buddha Purnima, Udhauli Parva, Ghode Jatra, Indra Jatra, and Maghe Sakranti.
Travellers can have various travel and tour destinations in Nepal, such as the Lumbini tour, the Pashupati Nath tour, the Muktinath Jomsom pilgrimage tour, and the Gorkha Durbar Manakamana tour. Travellers will have the Dashain festival village tour, the Indra Jatra festival tour, and the Dipawali cultural exploration in the Tihar festival; these are the wonderful tours. For those who are enthusiastic about beautiful and ancient culture, amazing nature, and majestic hospitality, the cultural tour in Nepal is the perfect travel destination.
Nepal Tour Cost
Travelling to Nepal and having the wonderful experience of touring and exploring the beautiful country will offer amazing tour packages. Nepal's cultural significance is beautiful, which will be deep, spiritual, peaceful, and meaningful. The cultural tradition in Nepal is unique and remarkable around the world. So, the cost of a Nepal tour depends on the required services, itinerary, travel destination, hotel, and food quality. However, in general, the Nepal tour cost will be USD 700 to 1500 for a 10-day travel itinerary. Budget travel in Nepal will be low-cost compared to around the world; at the same time, you can have a luxury tour in Nepal. Touch Planet Treks will be offering the best reasonable cost for travel in Nepal. You can visit Nepal during the festivals of Dashain and Tihar, Buddha Purnima, and the Tiji festival to have the best cultural exploration.
Dashain vs Tihar Festival in Nepal
Dashain is the first biggest festival in Nepal, whereas Tihar is the second biggest festival celebrated in Nepal. Dashain is celebrated as a remembrance of Goddess Durga, which is the victory of the battle between Durga and Ravana. Dashain will be celebrated for 15 days, and the animals will be sacrificed in the Maha Asthami and Novami. Indeed, the Dashain festival is getting to be a blessing from elder family members and relatives to the younger relatives. Dashain is a festival of animal sacrifice, paralyzing swings, different games, and gathering families and relatives. The Dashain festival falls in the month of September or October. So Tihar is another popular festival in Nepal, where brothers and sisters will gather and sisters will give the blessing with Tika to their brothers. Tihar is also known as Dipawali, Laxmi Puja, and Diwali.
In Tihar, they especially celebrate the goddess Laxmi, who is the goddess of money and prosperity. The beautiful Tihar Festival is celebrated for 5 days right after the Dashain Festival. Siblings will perform the beautiful ritual for each other during the Tika ceremony. However, each of the five days will have different rituals and traditions in the Tihar Festival. During the Tika ceremony, sisters will put a Tika on their brother's head and a garland of flowers on their brother’s neck. Sisters will also give the sweets, attires, Sel roti, and fruits to the brothers, and brothers will return the tika and attires, gifts, and money as tokens of love.
Conclusion of Dashain Festival in Nepal
The amazing Dashain is the most popular festival in Nepal, which is also called Bada Dashain, Nava Durga, and Vijaya Dashami. The Dashain celebration will be for 15 days in the month of September or October according to the Nepalese calendar. Dashain is known as a Hindu festival in Nepal, but it will be celebrated by all Nepalese communities. Dashian will start in Ghatasthapana by planting the mixed grains in the Durga puja room and end in Kojagrat Purnima. There will be beautiful rituals like Ghatasthapana, Phulpati, Asthami, Navami, Vijaya Dashami, and Kojagrat Purnima. All these rituals have different traditions and the uniqueness of the celebrations. There is a belief that Dashain has an ancient history, in which Goddess Durga and Maisasur had a nine-day and nine-night war. In the battle between Durga and the evil king Mahisasur, it was a war for truth, humanity, and righteousness.
Thus, in apocalyptic war, the evil king Mahishasura was finally defeated by the goddess Durga after nine days. So, on the occasion of the victory of Goddess Durga, the celebration of the Dashain or Vijaya Dashami festival starts in Nepali culture. Hence, the Dashain festival is best for cultural exploration, experiencing the ancient traditions, and immersing oneself in the local culture in Nepal.
FAQs of Dashain Festival in Nepal
What is Phulpati in Dashain festival?
Phulpati in the Dashain festival is a day of good preparation for the Durga puja in Aastami, and devotees will collect the worshiping things, likewise, different kinds of baby plants, including banana plants, barley, paddy, and others. Simply, Phulpati is the preparation day for Maha Aasthami with the ritual prayers.
Why Dashain celebrating in Nepal?
Dashain celebrations in Nepali culture symbolize the victory against the evil king Mahishasura by the goddess Mata Durga. There is a belief that Goddess Durga and Mahishasura had a 9-day and 9-night apocalyptic war, and the tenth day is the celebration of the victory. Hence, Dashain started to celebrate the victory of the fight against the evils and established righteousness.
Which day is the Vijaya Dashami or Tika Day?
In Dashain, the tenth day is the Vijaya Dashami and Tika day. Starting from the first day to the tenth day, Goddess Durga got the victory; that’s why we celebrate with blessings and Tika on this day. After Tika, the celebration will continue till Kojagrat Purnima to gather the relatives and bless each other.
Which is the biggest festival celebrating in Nepal?
The Bada Dashain is the most popular and biggest festival in Nepal, where travelers can explore lots more about the beautiful culture and rituals of Nepal. However, the Tihar festival, Losar, Buddha Purnima, and Chhath are also famous festivals in Nepal.
What is the main thing to do in Dashain?
The major thing in Dashain is Durga puja and Vijaya Dashami, which is worshipping the goddess Durga and putting Tika and Jamara on the head as blessings. However, there will be several rituals in the 15-day Dashain festival, but the main thing to do in Dashain is Durga Puja and Vijaya Dashami on the tenth day of Dashain.
What are the fun and adventure activities during Dashain festival?
The bamboo swings, wooden rotated swings, 6 dice gambling (Jhandi Burja), volleyball tournament in some parts of Nepal, and small green hill hiking are the games that can provide fun and adventure during Dashain. Many local people will gather in the village, and various types of games will be organized.
What is the history of Dashain Festival?
The history of the Dashain festival is long, since it was during the time of the living goddess, as mentioned in Hindu scriptures. According to the Hindu text, there was an apocalyptic war between Goddess Durga and the evil king Mahishasur for nine days and nights. On the ninth night, Goddess Durga won the battle against the Mahishasur, so on the tenth day, they celebrate the victory. Since then, the Dashain festival has been celebrated as a symbol of righteousness and Dharma.
Whan the Dashain festival will be occur in Nepal?
The Dashain festival will occur in September or October, depending on the Nepali calendar. Every year it will be on a different date, the Nepali astrologers will make the Nepali calendar accordingly to astrology science. So, the Dashain festival falls in the Autumn season during the month of September or October.
Is Nepal’s Dashain festival only the Hindu festival?
The Dashain festival is a celebration with Hindu rituals, but it is not only a Hindu festival. In the Nepalese community, most of the religious society will be celebrating the Dashain festival. Across the Nepali community and the Hindu communities, the Dashain festival will be celebrated. However, in India, there will also be a celebration of the Dashain tradition, but they call it the Dussehra festival.
Is cultural tour in Nepal worth for vacation?
Yes, the cultural tour in Nepal is worth it for a memorable and wonderful vacation. For those enthusiastic about ancient heritages, cultures, history, and beautiful nature, the cultural tour in Nepal is beautiful and worth it. You will be exploring the various cultural heritages, experiencing the culture and traditions like Dashain and Tihar. Homestay village tours during festive seasons like Dashain and Tihar will help you understand the Nepalese culture, and you will be deeply immersed in the unique local cultures of Nepal.
