Dashain Festival – Greatest Hindu Festival in Nepal

Some communities regard the Dashain festival as the victory of good over evil, some commemorate Emperor Ashoka’s adoption of Ahimsa, and some regard it as a secular national holiday.

It’s our tradition to celebrate, but the core of this festival is to reunite with your loved ones, gather, and just enjoy the time while it lasts!

Dashain is full of events, and honestly, not a single day goes by bland. From Ghatasthapana to Kojagrata Purnima, you’ll always have something intriguing to do.

For everyone who has not been home for weeks, months, or even years: Dashain is the perfect time to get back to your family, regroup with your friends, fly kites, swing high, or go on a tour.

Dashain is the time to let loose!

But don’t think it's just a festival whipped up for a couple of holidays and enjoyment; every day of this 15-day-long festival has a meaning. So, let’s learn everything about Dashain in this detailed blog!

Before delving into Dashain, check out some of the interesting facts about this major festival of Nepal.

Trace the roots of any festival in Nepal, and almost every one of them has a mythological origin. 

Dashain, being the biggest and longest Hindu festival, how could it not have one? As a matter of fact, the myth around Dashain is one of the grandest!

There are two popular mythological stories about the origin of Dashain: Goddess Durga and Mahishasura and Ram and Ravana. But the Mahabharata also connects with this festival.

Don’t worry! We’ll cover all of them here.

Goddess Durga and Mahishasura Battle Connection with Dashain

Mahishasura, an evil demon born from Rambha (king of the demons) and Shyamala (cursed princess turned into a buffalo), held immense powers and had shapeshifting abilities. 

He was also a devotee of Lord Brahma (Creator God), and after his tapasya (religious penance) for 10,000 years to please Brahma, he was blessed with a wish.

The demon was hungry for more power and thus demanded immortality from Brahma, which he was refused. Mahishasura then altered his wish and asked for a boon that “no man or animal or god should be able to kill him.”

Granting this wish, Brahma stated that only a woman would be able to kill him. Mahishasura then went on to attack and conquer the Trilok (the three realms: earth, heaven, and hell) with his powers, chasing even Lord Indra, the king of Sworgha (heaven), from his throne!

Lord Indra, after losing against the demon, went to seek help from Lord Brahma (creator), Lord Vishnu (preserver), and Lord Shiva (destroyer). From the blessings of Trimurti (the collective name for Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) and other gods and goddesses, a powerful female deity came into existence: Durga!

Durga mounted her lion and confronted Mahishasur and his demon army in a fierce battle for nine nights and ten days. On the last day (Dashami), Durga nailed Mahishasur and pierced his chest with her trident, killing the demon and winning the title "Mahishasuramardini."

This victory of good over evil is celebrated as Dashain every year for 15 days. The first 10 days are of the greatest religious significance!

Note: There are regional Puranic folk versions which say the war lasted 15 days; some say ten thousand years!

Ramayana and Dashain Connection 

After Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasur in Satya Yug, a similar incident followed in Treta Yug as well. 

Lord Rama, who was in a 14-year exile from his kingdom, fought Ravana in an attempt to rescue his kidnapped wife, Sita.

Rama performed a nine-day worship of Durga to seek her blessing by offering 108 blue lotuses. Somehow one lotus was missing, so Rama decided to offer one of his eyes as its substitute. Pleased by Rama’s dedication, Durga appeared in front of him, stopped him, and granted him her cosmic blessings!

Receiving her blessings and power, Rama defeated the 10-headed Ravana on the day of Dashami.

One thing to note: there was no such festival named Dashain in Treta Yug, but Durga Puja did exist. And since Rama is believed to have performed this ritual, we commemorate Durga’s as well as Rama’s victory on the tenth day of Dashain.

Mahabharata and Dashain Connection

Unlike the Ramayana, the Mahabharata (of Dwapar Yug) doesn’t coincide with Dashain in the theme “victory of good over evil” since it was a conflict of Dharma (righteousness) and Adharma (unrighteousness).

But there’s a story that connects to the Ayudha Puja and Durga Puja. Arjuna is also praised for chanting Arjuna krutha Durga Stuti (a powerful hymn) to defeat the Kaurava army.

After finishing the 12-year exile, the Pandava brothers were supposed to live completely hidden for a whole year, and it was called Agyatvas.

So how does this connect to Dashain?

Well, not yet, but the exact day Agyatvas ended was the day of Dashami. 

This shows how powerful Goddess Durga was deemed even in the Mahabharata and how Vijaya Dashami is connected with this epic!

Religious scriptures mention Dashain as the major festival for the Chhetri community of the Hindu religion. At its core, it is a Hindu festival.

Let’s explore more about why Dashain is so important!

It’s a Hindu Religious Festival

Religiously, Dashain celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga, a Hindu deity who manifests Shakti, the primordial cosmic energy and the dynamic feminine force. 

Since Nepal is predominantly a Hindu nation, a huge number of its population celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

Note: According to the National Population Census 2021, 81.19% of the total population of Nepal follows the Hindu religion.

Alongside Goddess Durga, we also celebrate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, who is also a Hindu figure. All the rituals of Dashain have also been derived from Hindu scriptures and are performed accordingly.

At present, it's not a Hindu-specific festival anymore; almost every community in Nepal gets excited for Dashain, and they celebrate it in their own way!

It’s a Family Festival

If you ever encounter a Nepali, inquire why he/she loves Dashain. The most probable response would be “family”. Dashain is the knot that ties family members who don’t live close to one another.

On the most important day of Dashain (Vijaya Dashami), what we do is receive Tika, Jamara, and blessings from our elder family members and relatives. The whole festival is a buildup to this day!

Most of the Nepalese who are abroad return to Nepal during Dashain to reunite with their family, friends, and close ones. 

Grandparents and parents get to see their grandchildren and children. Moreover, siblings who are separated because of work, education, and other reasons also meet each other and celebrate this joyous time while it lasts.

I also live far from my family, and every year my happiness peaks when I meet my parents at Dashain!

It’s a National Social Event

Dashain brings opportunities throughout the country. Government departments, educational institutions, and private organizations – almost every sector is on holiday during Dashain.

With so many people on holiday, public transport gets crowded as Dashain approaches.

The festival also marks the time to buy clothes, sweets, gifts, etc. Markets like Ason, Indra Chowk, New Road, Bhrikutimandap, Lagankhel Market, Thamel, etc. (in Kathmandu and even other major markets across the country) get heavily crowded a few days prior to Dashain. 

Dashain is also the only time when the bustling valley of Kathmandu gradually gets silent since thousands living here return to their families in other districts!

It Draws Tourists From All Over the World

When traveling to Nepal around Dashain, you will get to experience the rich culture and lifestyle of people here. 

I have taken many of my international friends to my own village in Dolakha for Dashain, and to this day, whenever we chat, they talk about those unforgettable 15 days!

Dashain falls just after the monsoon in the autumn season, which means a clear sky and mild temperature, alongside lush landscapes. For nature lovers in spring, Dashain is the most optimal time to plan a visit to Nepal. How can a traveler resist clear mountain views, green hills with waterfalls, right?

If you’re also searching for a trip in Nepal, why not plan it around Dashain? If you do schedule your trip around this time, we are ready to curate specialized Dashain packages that are perfect for you!

The most auspicious festival of Nepal, Dashain, offers a lot of expressions: happiness, freedom, reunion, respect, and nostalgia!

And the events around this festival are what give rise to these emotions, and honestly, Dashain is incomplete without them.

If you’re wondering what we actually do during Dashain, then here you go!

Jamara, Tika, and Dakshina

Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of Dashain, is when the entire family sits down; the eldest begins the ceremony by applying Tika along with offering Jamara and Dakshina.

The ceremony is called Dashain Tika and is practiced in hierarchical order. This continues till everyone in the family has Tika on their forehead.

However, the ritual of Dashain begins on Day 1 (Ghatasthapana), where we worship Goddess Shailaputri (a form of Durga) and sow barley seeds in a dark environment. The seeds are cared for on a daily basis to nurture the best Jamara for Day 10.

Tika, however, is prepared only on the tenth day; it's a mixture of rice grain, yogurt, and vermillion powder (abir). Sometimes sugar is also mixed in so it sticks to your forehead. 

One thing to know beforehand: Hindus prefer vermillion powder, as it symbolizes victory, family bonds, and energy, but some communities don’t use vermillion. Indigenous and Janajati communities like Gurung, Tamang, Magar, Rai, Limbu, etc. use a plain white mix of rice and yogurt only.

Note: Even among the Indigenous and Janajati communities, some use vermillion; this represents the freedom of this festival.

Dakshina is a token of appreciation given alongside Jamara; while most people give money, it can also be gifts or sweets.

Animal Sacrifice (and Alternatives)

Sacrificing animals is a traditional ritual practiced during Maha Astami and Maha Navami. 

I have been told the concept is to give a life in return for protection from Goddess Durga. Bulls, bucks, rams, drakes, roosters, etc. are the most common animals to be sacrificed.

This ritual has been going on for centuries now! And the volume of sacrifices in shrines dedicated to the divine feminine energy, like Goddess Kali or Durga (in places such as Dakshinkali Temple, Manakamana Temple, Taleju Bhawani, etc.), is exceptionally high!

Households also give sacrifices in their courtyard. I am a Chhetri, and in my house, we sacrifice a buck, whereas my neighbor, a Newar, sacrifices a he-buffalo. The meat is then prepared as prasad for the family members and relatives.

But many communities, including Kirats, Buddhists, and vegetarians, don’t follow this tradition and have replaced the animals in this ritual with pumpkins, gourds, cucumbers, coconuts, etc. 

Food and Drinks

Dashain is also a festival to enjoy different culinary delights. If you’re a food lover, then take my word: Dashain is one of the best times to explore Nepal!

At first glance, vegetarians might think the festival is not for them, but that is not the case. You’ll find multiple options in non-veg as well as veg items; let’s check out some of those options.

Non-Vegetarian Options

Meat dishes are prepared in multiple ways, and each has a different texture and flavor. Here are some of the most consumed non-veg items in Dashain:

• Khasiko Masu (meat of castrated male goat): Small pieces of meat slowly cooked with onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and many other spices. This is the major food of Dashain and can be eaten in various styles: Jhol (soup), Khuttako Jhol (leg curry), Bhutan (fried stomach and intestines), etc.
• Chhoila: The meat (either goat or buffalo) is either cooked over a fire or boiled and then mixed with spices.
• Sekuwa: Nepali barbeque, where the meat is finely marinated with spices, then skewered and grilled.
• Kawaf: Diced meat, stirred for hours in a pot until it darkens, and finished with spices and ghee.
• Other Newari Dishes: Samay Baji, Nhyapu Tisyu, Jhuku, etc.

Vegetarian Options

Whenever I have vegetarian items on my table during Dashain, I just dig in. It doesn’t have to be a meat dish for every meal in Dashain; the veggie items are also delightful, rich, and savory. 

My own routine is non-vegetarian items for lunch and vegetarian for dinner!

These vegetarian food items are irresistible:

• Veg-Curry: Use the soft, non-melting cheese (paneer) or mushrooms or mixed vegetables and craft a curry with peas, potato, butter, palak, etc.
• Chhoila: It doesn’t have to be meat for Chhoila; use ingredients like soybeans or mushrooms, and you’ll have a savory and spicy veg delicacy.
• Tofu or Paneer Chili: Toss the tofu or paneer in a spicy, tangy sauce with capsicum and spices, and just taste the experience!
• Sel-Roti: Ring-shaped, deep-fried rice flour; I prefer them as breakfast or a snack with tea.

Drinks

Well, those were some of the popular dishes eaten during Dashain. But we didn’t mention any drinks yet, right? 

Mostly, it’s warm during Dashain, so chilled beverages are preferred in almost every household. 

You also have options like Aila, Chhyang, or Nigaar, the traditional alcoholic beverages from different communities of Nepal; just make sure you are aware of your limit!

Malashree Dhun: The Main Dashain Tune

Did you know we can hear Dashain? Yes, it’s true!

A beautiful musical piece is played on almost every platform, including televisions, radios, and social media, and it's called Malashree Dhun. The tune is centuries old and marks the start of Dashain.

Malashree Dhun is said to have originated during the reign of King Mahendra Malla (16th century), as per the king’s subjects.

Every Newari festival often has music associated with it, and Malashree Dhun is the one for Mohani Nakha (Newari version of Dashain) and Dashain itself.

But how did a Newari tune become the nationwide special Dashain music? Let me tell you.

Malashree Dhun never disappeared because Prithvi Narayan Shah did not alter Newari traditions when he conquered Kathmandu. At the major state rituals such as Fulpati, the military took up the melody and then blended it with the rich musical tradition of Kathmandu for state celebrations, a practice the Nepalese Army band still proudly continues to this day!

The tune might have started during the Malla era, but it was the Shahs who expanded and made it an official Dashain tune.

Traditionally, Sitar, Tabla & Taa, Dhimay, Flute, and Sarangi were used to play this tune; however, at present, instruments like Harmonium, Piano, Sarod, and Guitar are also used.

Linge Ping (Swing)

Kids of the new generation might not know much about Linge Ping, but ask someone older what Dashain is, and they’ll speak of this swing for sure!

When I was a kid, almost every tole had at least one Linge Ping, but with urbanization and lack of open space, I feel that Linge Ping is on the verge of extinction.

Rural areas still build this swing in a traditional way, so if you are traveling to such areas in Nepal, you’ll get the opportunity to leave the ground through this swing!

Linge Ping is temporarily erected using 4 tall and strong bamboos, a strong beam of wood, and a rope made of Babiyo (Sabai Grass). By the way, its tall vertical shape resembles Shivalinga.

Traditionally, it’s believed that we should leave the earth once in Dashain, but how to do it? Go for a swing!

Even my grandmother, who’s very old, swings on Linge Ping on Vijaya Dashami after offering Tika and Jamara to its seat. 

Flying Changa (Kites)

There’s a legend around kite flying: whenever people of Kathmandu Valley had free time, they would fly kites.

Birds would then get entangled and suffer cuts; to stop this, a group of birds met the king and made a pact. As per the pact, people were allowed to fly kites only in Dashain and not during winter, spring, or summer.

There are many other legends as well about kite flying. Another legend mentions kite flying as a message to Lord Indra to inform him that no more rain is needed in the fields. So, farmers would scold anyone who flew kites before the monsoon.

If we look at history, the earliest written information about kite flying dates to 200 BC in China, which is why many assume this tradition entered Nepal from China through trade relations between Nepal and Tibet in older times!

I think that’s enough for the history of kites! Let’s see how to enjoy this activity.

We use a lattai (kite spool) with threads (Cotton Manja, Nylon, Dacron, etc.) and fly kites as high as we can and try to snap another pilot’s thread, shouting “Changa Cheeet!!!”. And once the deed is done, everyone rushes to claim the fallen kite; it's like a badge of honor!

Kite flying during Dashain is a centuries-old tradition and a way to enjoy the holidays, yet similar to Linge Ping, the tradition is slowly being forgotten. The number of kites in the sky during Dashain has significantly declined in recent days.

When I was a child, the sky would look like a group of colorful spirits, and now you can literally count the kites in the sky!

Card Games

Outdoor activities during Dashain are fun and entertaining, but we can still enjoy some card games when indoors. It’s a perfect way to talk with others while playing a couple of hands of taas (cards in Nepali).

Most households play popular card games like Flash (Teenpatti), Jutpati, Kitty, Rummy, Marriage, Call Break, Dhumbal, etc., and even Uno (in recent years).

It’s a festival, so people often bet money while playing these games, and if you ever participate in them, try to not wager too much. It’s best if you don't wager any amount at all. Always say no to gambling!

Shopping for New Items

Another highlight of Dashain is to buy new items like clothes, jewelry, ceremonial utensils, etc. In fact, every child’s memory of Dashain is shopping for new clothes, shoes, and toys!

Almost every store will bring up some schemes for Dashain! I have seen many save money throughout the year just to shop for this festival.

The city markets get heavily crowded before even Ghatasthapana, as most of the people will travel back to their families miles away! 

Everyone tries to get something within their capability for Dashain; this shows how important shopping has become for this festival.

Cleaning and Decorating Homes

Dashain is a festival to please our goddess and welcome relatives. So, we can’t keep our homes dirty at all! Every corner of the house is cleaned thoroughly, and many even repaint their houses.

Have you seen old traditional Nepali homes? They were built using stones and clay, and to make them attractive, red clay (rato-mato) and white clay (kamero) were used to paint the walls.

I still remember that during Dashain, my mother would take me to the neighboring village to get red clay and white clay. We would then carry both clays in sacks and bring them back to redecorate our house.

The base would be coated with red clay and the rest with white clay. 

After the 2015 AD earthquake, the tradition of using white clay has almost gone extinct in city areas, but red clay is still used to make ritualistic shapes on the ground or floor.

Visiting Relatives and Receiving Blessings

From Ghatasthapana to Maha Navami, everyone is busy with their own household rites. But after taking blessings from the elders on Vijaya Dashami, it's time to visit relatives for blessings. 

But it’s not like everyone just locks the doors and leaves their home, either; the elders of the family stay at their own house and send their children first, or vice versa. 

Doing so, they’ll get to welcome relatives to their own house since the intention is to not send any guest away without offering something, and this tradition is followed by every household!

In our family, my siblings and I visit our relatives first, and after we return, it's our turn to receive guests.

Dashain is not called a festival of reunion for nothing; it's a time to get to know and get in touch with relatives with whom you have not met in a while.

Tours and Treks

Every season offers a unique scenario for tours and treks in Nepal. Dashain falls in October or September, when the skies are clear, the trails are stable, and the mountains are completely visible.

But there are a couple of things you should know before planning a trip during Dashain. You see, many company staff, porters, and guides are home for a couple of days, and locals also travel to famous destinations. 

If the weather is perfect and your schedule allows, planning a trip before Dashain or after the Tihar festival will give you fewer crowds on the famous trails of Annapurna, Everest, Manaslu, and Langtang.

It’s not just cons, though; if you’re here during Dashain, then you’ll get to communicate and socialize more with Nepali crowds on the busy trails. This means you’ll be exposed to the roots of our culture and traditions.

Also, Kathmandu and other busy cities are easier to travel in, with very few crowds; you can also engage more with the rituals and celebrations around this festival. If you ever get the opportunity to celebrate any ritual of Dashain in the Kathmandu Valley, please definitely be a part of it.

And if you happen to be with Newari people, note that they celebrate Dashain quite differently, so it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you shouldn’t miss out!

As I mentioned earlier, Dashain originated as a Hindu festival; moreover, it is the major festival for Chhetris. But at present, most of the communities in Nepal celebrate this auspicious festival, and many have their own versions and deities!

Navadurga

Durga has nine principal forms, and in Dashain we worship all of them and collectively refer to her as Navadurga. Her nine forms guide us from the innocence of childhood to the wisdom of old age.

Nine days and nine forms of Durga are worshipped, and on the last day (Vijaya Dashami), Aparjita Bhagwati (the collective form of undefeated Durga) is worshipped. 

Before families sit for the Tika session, the elder of the family offers Tika, Jamara, and offerings to the goddess, performing rites passed down from generations.

Tridevi

During Dashain, people also worship Tridevi, three major goddesses of Hindu tradition: Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Maha Saraswati (particularly on the day of Maha Astami).

Devotees flock to the shrines and temples dedicated to these goddesses and read scriptures related to them and offer various religious offerings.

Mahalaxmi is also worshipped on the last day of Dashain, on Kojagrata Purnima, which we’ll cover further down the article!

Taleju Bhawani and Kumari

The fierce, multi-limbed, and multi-headed manifestation of Goddess Durga, Taleju Bhawani, is the family deity of the Malla lineage. 

She is the main deity of the Newar community, and her temple, located in all three districts of the valley (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square) is open to the public on Maha Navami.

Note: You must be a Hindu practitioner to enter her temple.

Kumari is the living manifestation of Taleju Bhawani, and she is revered as the living goddess of Nepal.

On the night of Maha Ashtami (Kal Ratri), the current living goddess Kumari is brought to the Mul Chowk courtyard of Hanuman Dhoka Palace to witness the grand sacrifice of 54 water buffaloes and 54 goats to appease the fierce energy of Taleju.

This ritual reinforces her divine link to the deity, but it is a regular seasonal ceremony, not her initial selection trial.

Many powerful leaders to this day seek blessings from Taleju Bhawani and Kumari in Dashain!

Do you know you can visit Kumari on other days as well? Our walking tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square is carefully catered for this visit!

Other Deities Who Are Worshipped

Beyong the aforementioned deities, devotees even worship Vishwakarma, the divine carpenter and master craftsman, on Maha Navami as Ayudha Puja. 

Moreover, the Newar community especially worships Astamtrika (the eight goddesses) during Mohani (the Newari version of Dashain). From the day of Ghatasthapana, each day is dedicated to one form of the goddess.

Another important deity is Lord Ganesh. He is considered the remover of obstacles and worshipped as the fortune-bringer. And in case you’re not aware, there’s a tradition to always worship Lord Ganesh before beginning something!

Kathmandu Valley’s Dashain is shaped by the traditions of many dynasties who reigned in this land for centuries. According to an article written by historian Mahesh Raj Panta, the earliest recorded scripture dates the festival back to the year 1375 AD (14th century).

But Durga Puja and Astamatrika Puja are mentioned in the inscriptions from the Licchavi era; this shows how worshipping the goddesses over time turned into a full-fledged festival.

In the medieval Malla period, the royal kingdoms of the valley (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur) were each other's rivals, and each established a temple to worship Taleju Bhawani. 

Taleju Bhawani and her incarnation, the living goddess, Kumari, have since been a major part of Dashain (or Mohani).

Kings and other powerful individuals have continued the custom of receiving Tika from Kumari during Dashain since the Malla era. Even the Shah dynasty, after conquering the valley, preserved the tradition and, moreover, extended Dashain further to other districts. 

Taleju Bhawani Tradition

Every year on Maha Navami, Hindu devotees are granted access to Taleju Bhawani Temple to worship Taleju Bhawani. This tradition has been going on since the temple was built!

Taleju Bhawani was originally built as the royal shrine of the Malla dynasty, and her temple was strictly limited to the reigning monarch and royal priests. But they allowed Hindu devotees to worship Taleju Bhawani once a year on Maha Navami.

But there’s a Newar community who have access to the inside of the temple 24 times a year, and they are the Manandhars.

Manadhars are said to have played a huge role in the construction of Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square. For their contribution, the king offered them a reward! A family from the Manadhar caste is chosen to enter the temple from the back door to offer oil for the eternal flame (Akhanda Jyoti).

Note: Manandhars enter the temple on the full moon day and the 14th day of the waning moon (Krishna Chaturdashi, locally called Chahre) every lunar month. And this tradition is performed only in Kathmandu.

Other Temples to Visit During Dashain

Taleju Bhawani Temple is definitely the main star of the Dashain festival, since only once a year the doors are open to the public for worship. But besides it, here are a few temples that come alive during this time:

• Dakshinkali Temple (south of Kathmandu): One of the most important Shakti shrines of Nepal and very famous for heavy sacrificial rituals during Navaratri.
• Guhyeshwari Temple (near Pashupatinath): A Shakti Pitha near Pashupatinath Temple, where the Goddess Sati’s anal/rectum portion (known as “guhya”) fell, the temple is heavily visited for its status as one of the most sacred Shakti Pithas.
• Maitidevi Temple (between Gyaneshwor and Dillibazar): Believed to be the parental home ("maiti") of all goddesses, and pilgrims heading to Manakamana Temple usually offer water here first. During Dashain, the road is decorated with lights along Maitidevi Marga, which has made it a trending evening spot.
• Naxal Bhagwati Temple (near Kamalpokhari): One of the four Bhagwati sisters; Karmacharyas are responsible for the rituals here, and they perform tantric rites instead of Vedic.
• Other Popular Devi Temples in Nepal: Shobha Bhagwati (Kathmandu), Naradevi (Kathmandu), Kalika Temple (Gorkha), Manakamana Temple (Gorkha), Bindhyabasini Temple (Pokhara, Kaski), Pathibhara Devi Temple (Taplejung), Dantakali Temple (Dharan, Sunsari), Kankalini Temple (Bhardaha, Saptari), and every other “Devi” temple in the country!

Kathmandu Before, During, and After Dashain

A few days before Ghatasthapana, the crowds in the markets of Kathmandu are already at their peak! You’ll have to navigate through the markets while constantly having people around you.

If not careful, these crowds can get real bad, so make sure you are prepared before entering such markets. 

Starting from Ghatasthapana, the population in the valley gradually goes down, and by Fulpati, the valley is no longer busy like it usually is!

Major temples are loud and crowded during Maha Astami and Maha Navami, but the streets are more silent, local buses are emptier, and food establishments have fewer customers.

When Kojagrata Purnima marks the end of this vibrant and auspicious festival, the crowds re-enter the city for schools, colleges, offices, etc., and the city comes alive once again!

Everyone who favors cultural tours tries to plan a trip to Nepal for Dashain. But most of them don’t know what the days are like in this festival. 

Well, you don’t have to know everything, but learning even a little about the major days will narrow the gap between you and the culture.

Fret not; I’ll give you information on everyday rituals and traditions performed throughout the Dashain festival in Nepal. 

Let’s begin with the nine forms of Durga who are worshipped during Dashain:

Note: While all Dashain practitioners worship these forms of Durga, some communities like Bhaktapur Newars worship Astamatrika and her divine forms. Khokana’s Newars worship Sikali Devi and have their own festival called “Sikali Jatra” instead of Dashain.

Ghatasthapana

The first day of Dashain begins with a sacred ritual of worshipping Durga and sowing the seeds for Jamara (a symbol of prosperity) in Dashain Ghar. You might be confused about what a Dashain Ghar is; it's just this shrine room where we grow Jamara!

You see, Jamara needs to be grown in complete darkness, which is why the soil bed is prepared inside the shrine room.

Soaked barley seeds are sown in the soil and kept in the dark to grow Jamara. Lack of sunlight gives Jamara a light-greenish or yellowish color, and when combined with crimson/red Tika, their color harmony looks very good!

Now a kalash is decorated with red and white cloths along with colors (abir & kesari) and then filled with clean water. An unpeeled coconut is then put on top, and the kalash is settled in the center of the soil bed.

On each day from Ghatasthapana onwards, Jamara and Kalash are worshipped by lighting oil wicks until Vijaya Dashami, when they are harvested.

Fulpati

The seventh day of Dashain marks the beginning of many vibrant celebrations and fairs throughout the country!

Fulpati is the combination of nine sacred plants: rice stalk, banana plant, turmeric, pomegranate, wood apple (Indian bel fruit), ashok, ginger plant, jayanti, and manabriksha. In parts of the eastern/terai region, Colocasia/Arum (Kachu/Pidalu) and sugar cane are used instead of ashok and ginger.

The ritual is performed to bring the gods and goddesses associated with these plants. The combination of these plants is also called Navapatrika.

Since the time when Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Kathmandu, a tradition has been practiced every year to bring Fulpati from Gorkha’s Dashain Ghar to Kathmandu Durbar Square’s Dashain Ghar. Even though monarchy has ended, the tradition is still alive!

To tourists: Time your days in Kathmandu accordingly, and you’ll get to observe a grand procession during Fulpati in Tundikhel and Basantapur.

Maha Astami and Maha Navami

Maha Astami and Maha Navami are the days when the Durga temples record the highest number of devotees during Dashain. These days are famous for heavy sacrificial rituals in temples and households.

By the way, it’s not like people just bring out an animal and decapitate it; a couple of rites are performed. I myself have experienced these rites multiple times!

First, the priests and devotees try to please the sacrificial animal; they offer vermilion powders and lighted cotton wicks after cleansing them.

Why so much drama? It might seem like a drama, but we are asking for their consent!

Once the animal shakes their whole body, only then do we proceed to the sacrificing phase. First, a chayote or citrus fruit (usually hill lemon or pomelo) is beheaded, and then only the animal meets his fate.

Before the sacrifice takes place, the priest chants sacred mantras to invoke Goddess Durga, blessing the animal and spiritually elevating its soul toward liberation. After the sacrifice, the meat is carefully gathered and cooked to be consumed by the family as prasad (a blessed offering) during a grand festive feast.

Devotees flood the temples dedicated to Bhagwati and Kali during Maha Astami and Maha Navami. And since Taleju Bhawani Temple welcomes devotees only once a year during Maha Navami, the queue is so long it takes hours to enter the temple if you’re not early.

Vijaya Dashami

The main event or day of this festival arrives on the tenth day and is known as Vijaya Dashami. As per the story above, it’s believed Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura on this day, and Lord Rama was also victorious in his battle against Ravana.

Every year, there is a particular time set to start the tika ritual, and the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikash Samiti is the one to announce this auspicious time (sahit).

After offering Tika, Jamara, and Dakshina to the goddess at an auspicious time, the whole family now sits down for the Tika ritual. The eldest member begins applying Tika on the forehead (beginning from the second eldest member), offering Jamara to tuck behind the ear or in the hair along with Dakshina, in hierarchical order.

As the youngest member of our huge family, I have to wait until everyone has received Tika from our grandmother; only then does my turn come! Well, that’s how it works, so no one can complain.

When I was a kid, I still remember Tika meant money for me. Even though Dakshina can be anything, most households, including ours, prefer to hand over money.

And how could we forget the blessings!

Most people are unaware, but there are actually separate mantras to bless male and female while applying Tika.

Male Tika Mantra

“Ayur Drona Sute, Sriyo, Dasarathe, Satruk ksheyam Raghave,

Aishwarye Nahushe, Gatischa pawane, Manancha Duryodhane

Saurya Shanta Nawe, Bala Haldhare, Satyascha Kuntisute,

Bigyan Bidure, Bhawantu Bhawantaa, Kirtischha Narayane.”

Each line wishes you the best quality of a famous figure from the Ramayana or Mahabharata:

• Ayur Drona Sute: long life like Guru Dronacharya's son, Ashwatthama. The traditional explanation is that the blessing means a long life, like Ashwatthama's.
• Sriyam Dasharathe: prosperity and glory like King Dasharatha.
• Shatru kshayam Raghave: destruction of your enemies, like Rama (Raghava) did to his enemies.
• Aishwaryam Nahushe: wealth and sovereignty like King Nahusha.
• Gatishcha Pavane: speed like Pavana, the wind god.
• Manashcha Duryodhane: personal dignity and honor like Duryodhana.
• Shauryam Shantanave: courage like Shantanu's son, Bhishma.
• Balam Haladhare: strength like Balarama, "the plough-bearer".
• Satyam cha Kunti-sute: truthfulness like Kunti's son, Yudhishthira.
• Vigyanam Vidure: wisdom like Vidura.
• Bhavantu Bhavatam Kirtishcha Narayane: may all of these be yours, and may your fame be like Narayana's (Vishnu).

Female Tika Mantra

Jayanti, Mangala, Kaali, Bhadra Kali, Kapalini

Durga, Kshyama, Shiva Dhatri, Swaha Swadha, Namostu te. 

Unlike the male mantra, this is not a wish for the girl to resemble someone! 

It is an invocation of the Goddess Durga, listing her names and aspects: Jayanti (the victorious), Mangala (the auspicious), Kali, Bhadrakali, Kapalini (the skull-garlanded one), Durga, Kshama (forgiveness and patience), Shiva, Dhatri (the sustainer), and Svadha (the sacred offering words). 

It ends "Namostu te", meaning "I bow to you". This is a prayer to the goddess who conquers the world, protects it, and removes misery, and asks her to accept her devotee's devotion. 

In effect, the blessing places the woman or girl under the Goddess's protection.

Kojagrata Purnima

Dashain formally concludes with Kojagrata Purnima, the last full moon day of Ashwin and the last day to give or receive tika, jamara, dakshina, and blessings. 

It’s also believed Goddess Laxmi will bless prosperity, peace, and harmony to those who remain awake on the night of Kojagrata Purnima and pray with devotion.

The ceremony’s name comes from two Sanskrit words, Ko (who) and Jagrat (awake), meaning “Who is awake?”. An elaborated message of this night is, “Stay ever awake! Always remain vigilant! Watch out! Be alert at all times.”

From Kojagrata Purnima, visiting relatives comes to an end; thus, the remaining Tika and Jamara are immersed in the holy water. And when night arrives, people stay awake, lighting the oil lamps and singing devotional hymns.

Travel Tip: If you want to enjoy the night vigil of Kojagrat Purnima, Swayambhunath Stupa of Kathmandu is one of the best locations to observe it, as the hilltop comes alive with the lighting of massive ceremonial lamps, all-night devotional hymns, and a stunning panoramic view of the entire valley glowing under the full autumn moon.

Dashain originated as the most important festival for Chhetris, but it was never limited or restricted to this community only. Since Nepal is a diverse country with 142 distinct caste and ethnic groups, everyone has their own way of celebrating Dashain.

Newars have their own version; similarly, Tharu and other communities celebrate it in their own way. To summarize, there are different shades of Dashain, and all are beautiful!

Newar Community’s Dashain: Mohani Nakha

The Newari version of Dashain is called Mohani or Mohani Nakha, and instead of Navadurga, many Newar communities worship Astamtrika’s eight forms, from Ghatasthapana to Maha Astami.

The first day, or Ghatasthapana, is dedicated to Bramhayeni, and the second day to Maheshwari. Kumari, Bhadrakali, and Barahi are worshipped on the third, fourth, and fifth days, respectively. The sixth day is for Indrayani, and on the seventh (fulpati of Dashain), Mahakali is worshipped.

Maha Astami also calls for Kuchhi Bhwey (a special Newar feast) where each person is served a meal measured by Kuchhi (2 Mana or 1 Kilogram) of beaten rice (baji). The feast includes a variety of meat, fish, and ceremonial dishes, enjoyed in the company of family members. 

The following day (Maha Navami) is very important for Newar people since Taleju Bhawani Temple is open on this day only. They also worship goddess Tripura Sundari and perform Tampujaya to worship vehicles and machinery on this day.

Finally, on the tenth day, the Tika ceremony is carried out, but unlike other communities, they apply a black Tika over the red one. It’s called Mohani Sina and is prepared from the soot of an oil lamp to ward off negative energies and protect from evils.

Note: The main essence of Mohani and Dashain is the same, but the way of celebrating is different.

Khokana’s Sikali Jatra

It might come as a surprise, but there’s a Newar community who don't celebrate Dashain at all, not even Mohani Nakha. The Khokana neighborhood of the Lalitpur district has celebrated Sikali Jatra since 336 Nepal Sambat.

Dashain was not a mainstream festival like it is at present, so many Newar communities have always upheld their Mohani, while Khokana’s people continued Sikali Jatra. The main deity of this festival is Sikali, a form of goddess Durga.

Sikali Jatra begins with Dashain on Ghatasthapana, but no seeds are sown for Jamara; moreover, the festival lasts only eight days. On Ghatasthapana, four chosen virgin boys (kumaras) fast all day and perform special rituals at Sikali Temple for four days.

On the third day, three he-buffaloes are brought from the guthis: Jha Guthi, Sri Khanda Guthi, and Ta Guthi. These he-buffaloes are then sacrificed as offerings to Sikali.

Tharu Community Celebrating Dashain

Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana for Tharu communities, and they do sow Jamara, but what makes them unique are the ceremonies of Ashtami and Navami.

On the eighth day, Tharu people worship a dhikri made from rice flour, and on the ninth they offer pittar in the name of their ancestors.

And finally, on the tenth day, the Gawalya Tika ceremony is practiced to conclude Dashain. Even though Dashain ends, the Sakhiya dance continues for about a week, and this tradition has been passed down through generations.

Note: Communities like Tharu, Tamang, Gurung, and Magar don’t use vermillion powder and keep their Tika plain white.

Dashain comes once every year, but there is another Dashain in Nepal that does the same. I know you’re confused, so stay with me till the end!

The Dashain I have been talking about is Bada Dashain or Vijaya Dashami, but there’s a spring counterpart of this festival, it’s called Chaite Dashain (Chaitra Dashain). Though not as grand as Bada Dashain, Chaite Dashain is still significant for Hindus!

Chaite Dashain falls on the Shukla Astami of Chaitra (March/April), and Goddess Navadurga Bhagwati is worshipped across the country. 

Unlike Bada Dashain, most households don’t practice Ghatasthapana or other important ceremonies. But in the Dashain Ghar of Hanuman Dhoka, Ghatasthapana as well as animal sacrifices in Astami are observed.

For most households, Chaite Dashain is a celebration to worship Durga and Rama, and have a feast. Navami, during this Dashain, marks the birth of Lord Rama and is known as Ram Navami, and he is worshipped across the nation.

It’s a religious festival of Nepal, so yes, there’s a story around Chaite Dashain also. Legends mention that Lord Ram sought blessings from Goddess Durga during his battle against Ravana and defeated him on this auspicious occasion too!

Want to read another one?

So, if you ask Nepali people about Chaite Dashain, most likely you’ll get the same answer. Almost everyone mentions Chaite Dashain to have been the original Dashain, but Chaitra is hot, and foods would spoil fast with no refrigeration methods in ancient times. 

And you cannot serve spoiled foods to guests, can you?

For this reason and because Ashwin was the perfect time for farmers to be free from work and celebrate, people started observing Dashain in Ashwin. Chaite Dashain was then preserved and continued as a memento.

There is no actual record to support this story, but it has been passed down from generation to generation.

No matter what the truth is, the main purpose of Chaite Dashain is also to seek prosperity and peace in this and after life.

Dashain is indeed a beautiful time to be in Nepal, so here are a couple of things to know about what you are walking into.

Things to do:

• Most shops, banks, and government offices have limited operating hours around Dashain, so it’s better to withdraw cash and sort out paperwork before Dashain.
• Undoubtedly, one of the busiest times to travel in Nepal; it’ll be very difficult for you if you don’t book flights, buses, or trekking permits in advance.
• You might get invited into a Nepali house for Dashain; it’s an honor and opportunity to experience the festival, so try to dress modestly, and it’s polite to give a small gift.
• The silent Taleju Bhawani Temple gets loud and crowded in Navami; plan your trip to witness this rare event. But if you’re not a Hindu, you won’t be permitted to enter the temple, so enjoy the celebrations from outside.
• Dashain is a festival for foodies; try Sel-Roti and other authentic Nepali foods and drinks. Also, coming to Nepal and not enjoying Newari cuisine is like going to the beach and not touching water.

Things not to do:

• Don’t take out your camera and mobile phone at sacred sites to capture animal sacrifices without asking for permission. 
• Trekking lodges in remote areas don’t run at full capacity on major days of Dashain, so don’t expect to get everything you want.
• Outer courtyards are typically open for everyone, but that is not the case for inner sanctums; make sure you confirm before entering the inner premises of temples (even if you’re a Hindu).

Dashain is celebrated wherever its practitioners are situated. You don't have to be in Nepal to celebrate Dashain; those who are foreign can celebrate and enjoy the festival there too!

Nepali communities in foreign countries organize events for Dashain, where they meet and greet each other, put on Tika, and celebrate. Besides Dashain, similar festivals are celebrated outside Nepal with different names and unique traditions:

The Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti published the Dashain 2083 subha saait notice on 20 Asoj 2083 (6 October 2026). The auspicious times (aka saait, sahit, or muhurat) below are for Nepal, in Nepal Standard Time.

Quick Note on Dashain Sahit for Nepalis Abroad: A converted clock time is not an auspicious time. The notice published so far covers Nepal only. A new notice with the sahit for Nepali communities abroad will be published soon, and we will update it in this article. Stay tuned, and bookmark this page. We update this Dashain Tika article every year for Nepalis around the world.

Dashain has multiple interpretations; for me, it’s the time to reunite with my family, stay together, and celebrate it while it lasts, while seeking blessings from elders. 

Yes, there are restrictions for certain rituals if you’re not Hindu, but apart from those, you can enjoy this festival as much as we do. Flying kites, swinging high, trying different cuisines, travelling, and making memories: Dashain is full of potential!

The festival is a time to socialize and touch the roots of Nepali culture and traditions. People of Nepal celebrate Dashain from birth to death, but nobody ever gets tired or bored. 

Buy something, bless others, explore and discover beautiful places, and eat the best dishes. Dashain offers everything!

My final words: try to schedule your trip around Dashain, and you’ll have an unforgettable lifelong journey!