Dashain Festival

• Festival

Nepal is not only the land of mountains, but it is also known as a diverse land of festivals. Even it is also known as unity in diversity. There are many festivals celebrated in a year. Among many festivals, Dashain is one of the greatest, longest and auspicious festival in Nepal. It falls in September and October month. It starts on the Shukla Paksha (bright lunar fortnight) of the month of Ashwin and ending on Purnima. Among the fifteen days on which it is celebrated, the most important days are the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth and fifteenth. It is the most anticipated festival among the people in Nepal, and ethnic Hindu people from all over the world. All the people from the world and different parts of the country back home to celebrate together with family members.

Ghatasthapana
The beginning day of the festival is Ghatasthapana. On this day freshwater is filled on the leaf plate with maize and barley seeds to sprout. Twice a day morning and evening are worshiped and sprinkled freshwater to sprout nicely. These rituals continue until the seventh day. The process of worshiping and sprouting will be varied according to people and the community. The seeding sprout is called Jamara, grow to almost five inches long till seventh days.

Saptami
Phulpati is a significant seventh day of Dashain. On the day of Saptammi, the regular prayers of Bhagwati should be brought Belpati like other days. A lot of Phulpati (flowers and fruits) brought in the main door of the house puja Ghar (shrine). In the context of Nepal on this day, the Phulpati is brought from the Gorkha Durbar to the Puja house of Hanumanadoka in Kathmandu by the time the occasion ends in Tundikhel, where a parade is held. The royal family was overthrown in 2008 and two-century tradition is changed so far. Phulpati offering goes to the residence of the president. The President has taken over the royal’s social and religious roles.

Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami is called on the day of the eighth day. The day of this day-night is Kal Ratri. The goddess of this day is known as Kali. This is the most ferocious day of Goddess Durga’s demonstration. The Kali is appeased through the sacrifice of buffaloes, goats, hens, and ducks in temples throughout the country.

Nawami
The ninth day is called Nawami and the end of the day of Kalratri. People worship their properties like machinery, vehicle, and equipment. It is believed that your worship of vehicles on this day will avoid the accident throughout the year.

Dashami
The tenth day is Bijaya Dashami Tika of the festival. A mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion is prepared and it becomes Red is known as Tika. Though some people prepare white Tika only mixture of rice and yogurt. Elders give Tika and Jamara to younger relatives with the blessing of prosperity on their forehead in the upcoming years. Senior member gives Tika and Jamara to other family members at home with Dakshina (money).

Kojagrat Purnima
The full moon day of the festival is called ‘Kojagrat’ Purnima. The last day of the festival is Kojagrat Purnima. People on this day awake throughout the night. Goddess Laxmi is worshiped. It’s believed on this day, people who are awake all night, Goddess Laxmi bless with wealth and prosperity. Also, people enjoy playing cards on this night.