Dashain festival

Dashain is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Nepal. It is a Hindu festival that usually lasts for 15 days, falling between September and October. The festival is dedicated to the goddess Durga, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Key Highlights of Dashain:

1. Ghatasthapana (Day 1): The festival begins with the planting of barley seeds in a ritual known as Ghatasthapana, symbolizing prosperity and growth. The seeds are kept moist and in the dark to sprout, and the seedlings are called "Jamara."

1. Fulpati (Day 7): A procession carries offerings of flowers and other items to temples dedicated to Durga, signaling the start of the more elaborate celebrations.

1. Asthami (Day 8): This day, also known as Maha Asthami, is dedicated to animal sacrifices (especially goats and buffaloes) to honor Durga's fierce form.

1. Nawami (Day 9): On Maha Nawami, temples across the country are filled with devotees offering prayers. It's also a significant day for worshiping vehicles and machinery to avoid accidents and mishaps.

1. Vijaya Dashami (Day 10): The most important day of Dashain, families come together for tika and jamara. Elders apply tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermilion) on the foreheads of younger members, accompanied by blessings for prosperity, health, and long life.

1. Post-Vijaya Dashami: The festival continues with tika being offered for several days as people visit relatives and friends.

Cultural and Social Importance:

Family Gatherings: Dashain is a time for family reunions. People often travel long distances to return to their homes to celebrate with their loved ones.

Kites and Swings: Children and adults alike enjoy flying kites during Dashain, and large bamboo swings (called "ping") are set up in villages for fun.

Shopping and Feasts: New clothes, elaborate meals, and meat dishes are common, with goat and buffalo meat being popular during this time.

Dashain brings a festive atmosphere across Nepal, with schools and businesses closing to allow everyone to participate in the celebrations.