Dashain Countdown 2082
Celebrate the Greatest Festival of Nepal
Celebrate the Greatest Festival of Nepal
Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is the most significant and widely celebrated Hindu festival in Nepal. Spanning 15 days, it commemorates the victory of good over evil, symbolized by Goddess Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasura. Dashain is a time for family reunions, feasting, worship, and the exchange of blessings and tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and red vermilion) on the forehead.
In 2082 BS (2025 AD), Dashain begins on Ashwin 6, 2082 (September 22, 2025) and concludes on Ashwin 20, 2082 (October 6, 2025). Each day of the festival holds unique significance, with specific rituals and pujas (worship ceremonies) that honor various deities and cultural traditions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key days and their associated rituals.
The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, the sowing of Jamara (barley seeds) in a consecrated pot filled with holy water and soil. This ritual takes place in a prayer room where a kalash (sacred vessel) is established to invoke Goddess Durga. The Jamara is nurtured over the next ten days and used during Vijaya Dashami.
Fulpati is marked by a grand procession that includes a sacred assemblage of holy plants (banana stalks, jamara, and sugarcane) tied with red cloth. In Kathmandu, the Fulpati parade is carried from Gorkha to the Hanuman Dhoka palace, symbolizing royal blessings. Families perform pujas and gather to celebrate.
Known as Maha Ashtami, this day is dedicated to Goddess Durga in her fierce form, Kali. Devotees perform special pujas, and animal sacrifices (where practiced) are conducted at temples like the Kot courtyard in Kathmandu. The night includes the Kal Ratri ritual, where 54 buffaloes and 54 goats are traditionally sacrificed at the Taleju temple.
Maha Navami is the culmination of Navaratri, with intense worship of Goddess Durga. Temples, especially those dedicated to Durga, see large crowds. Tools, weapons, and machinery are worshipped in a ritual called Ayudha Puja, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. In some regions, sacrifices continue as offerings to the goddess.
The most auspicious day of Dashain, Vijaya Dashami celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Elders apply tika and jamara on the foreheads of younger family members, offering blessings for prosperity and happiness. Families gather for feasts, exchange gifts, and visit relatives, strengthening familial bonds.
These days involve continued family visits, tika ceremonies, and celebrations. People travel across Nepal to receive blessings from elders, fostering unity and community spirit. Feasts and social gatherings remain central to the festivities.
The festival concludes on the full moon day, Kojagrat Purnima, dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Devotees stay awake all night, playing cards or engaging in family activities, believing that Laxmi will bless those who remain vigilant. This marks the end of Dashain festivities.
Dashain is more than a religious festival; it is a celebration of Nepali culture, unity, and spirituality. It reinforces family ties, promotes forgiveness, and renews community bonds. The tika and jamara rituals symbolize blessings and protection, while the worship of Durga highlights the triumph of righteousness. Whether through kite-flying, swinging on traditional bamboo swings (ping), or sharing festive meals, Dashain brings joy and togetherness to millions.
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