| When is Dashain in Nepal? |
Dashain, Nepal's Great Feast also known as Durga Puja or Bijaya Dashami in your area. Dashain or Bijaya Dashami is one of the major Hindu festivals. Dashain is one of the most remarkable festivals in Nepal because it is one of the longest festivals in the Nepalese calendar. Many Nepalese immigrants living outside Nepal come to celebrate Dashain in Nepal during their holidays.
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The Dashain festival is celebrated for 15 days and continues in the Hindu month of Ashwin (between September and October) from the brightest month to the full moon. Foreigners need to pay close attention and plan accordingly because many Nepalese businesses and offices will be closed during Dashain's time.
Dashain is a festival celebrated by Hindus to mark the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu Mythology, Dashain is celebrated because Ram the imprisonment of King Vishnu killed the demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga brutally exorcised the demon Mahisasur who caused chaos in the world. The Hindu goddess of conquest Durga is worshiped especially at this time.
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Why is the Dashain festival celebrated?
As I told you earlier Dashain is one of the stories of victory according to Hindu mythology. It is a victory over the evil demon-possessed demon called "Mahisasur" who spreads fear and terror. This demon was killed by Goddess Durga in a battle that lasted for several days. The goddess Durga is worshiped with renewed vigor. His victory over the demons also shows that evil cannot be conquered and is always eliminated.
The first 9 days mark the ongoing battle between evil and self-control. And after an endless battle between evil and good for nine days, the goddess Durga finally won the battle against the demons. In addition to the good defeat of Godrong Durga, Dashain also won the victory of God Ram over the Devil Ravan with the blessing of Goddess Durga.
All in all, it shows that evil will never prevail despite hard efforts. The truth will always find evil and deception victorious.
How do people celebrate Dashain for 10 days?
As mentioned earlier Dashain is celebrated for 10 days. Ghatasthapana is the first day of Dashain and starts on 17 October 2020. This is the first day and all the homes of this day Jamry Jamara which is an important feature of the festival. They sow corn seeds and cereals to grow Jamara in a small pot made of mud.
On the 10th day, it will grow and be ready for use during the Tika festival. And in the middle of the day until Saptami which translates as the 7th day in Sanskrit by Phulpati, people go to their homes. By Phulpati, almost all family members will meet in their large home. And the eighth day is known as Maha Ashtami. On this day, people donate their animals such as goats, buffalo, and hens as an offering to Goddess Kali. And meat is considered 'Parsad' (holy food). The evening of the day is considered Kal Ratri which means dark night.
The ninth day of the festival is called Maha Navami. On this day, people serve their equipment and tools by making pujas. And the last day which is the 10th day is called Vijaya Dashami from where the name Dashain was coined. For this, the whole family gathered to take a blessing with Tika (a combination of rice, yogurt, and red color) and Jamara (planted on the first day) from the older members of the family.
Dashain symbolizes victory over good over evil.
For fans of Shaktism, it represents the victory of the goddess Durga. In Hindu mythology, the demon Mahishasura had created fear in the Devokela(earth where the gods live) but Durga killed the rakshas (demon). The first nine days of Dashain symbolize the war that ensues between the various manifestations of Durga and Mahishasura. The tenth day is the day when Durga finally defeats him. To some Hindus, this festival symbolizes Ram's victory over Ravan as narrated in Ramayana.
Day 1: Ghatasthapana Dashain
The tilaka (red) and Jamara used during the Dashain period. Ghaṭasthāpanā (घटस्घटापना "sowing Jamara") marks the beginning of Dashain. In fact, it means placing a Kalash or pot, symbolizing the goddess Durga. Basically, Ghatastapana always falls on the first day. On this day Kalash is filled with holy water and sewn with barley seeds.
Kalash is then placed in the center of the sand block. The remaining sandbeds were sown with seeds. The priest then begins the puja by asking Durga to bless the ship with her presence. This practice was performed at a particularly favorable time determined by astrologers. The goddess is believed to have lived in a boat during the Navratri.
The room where all this happened is known as Dasain Ghar. Traditionally, foreigners are not allowed to enter it. A family member serves the Kalash twice daily, once in the morning and then in the evening. Kalash is kept directly away from direct sunlight and is given holy water daily so that by the tenth day of the festival the seeds have grown to five or six inches of yellow grass. This sacred grass is known as Jamara. These practices continue until the seventh day.
Day 7: Phulpati
Phulpati is the largest festival held on the seventh day of Dashain. Traditionally, on this day, the royal Kalash, bunches of bananas, Jahara and sugarcane wrapped in red cloth are brought by the Brahmins from Gorkha, a three-day journey, about 169 kilometers (105 mi) from Kathmandu Valley. Hundreds of government officials gathered at Tundikhel Stadium in formal dress to witness the event.
The king used to keep the event in Tundikhel when the Phulpati parade headed to Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Then there was the spectacular Nepalese Festival and the cited gunshots that lasted for ten to fifteen minutes in honor of Phulpati. Phulpati is taken to Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace where the event ends in Tundikhel, where the ring is held.
Beginning in 2008, when the royal family was abolished, the old two-year tradition was transformed so that the sacred offering of Phulpati could go to the residence of the president. The president took over the monarchy and religion after the fall of the monarchy.
Day 8: 'Maha Asthami'
The eighth day is called 'Maha Ashtami'. This is the day when Godigurga's most awe-inspiring demonstration, the bloody Kali, was poured out with the sacrifice of buffalo, goats, toys, and ducks in temples throughout the country. The blood, which symbolizes her fertility, is given to the goddess. Appropriately, the night of this day is called Kal Ratri (Dark Night).
It is also common for a violent attacker to be placed on the premises of all the revenue offices on the day. The old monastery at Basantapur Hanuman Dhoka works all night praying and offering sacrifices in almost every yard. On the same night as Dasain Ghar, 54 pledges and 54 goats are offered for the cultural observance. After the blood is offered, the meat is brought home and cooked “prasad”, or divinely blessed food.
This food is given in small leaf oils to the Gods of the house and then distributed among the family. Eating these foods is considered delicious. During the puja, large feasts were held in people's homes. On this day the Newar community has an event called “Khadga Puja” where they make a puja of their weapons.
Day 9: 'Maha Navami'
People lined up to visit Taleju Bhawani Mandir. And the 9th day of Dashain is known as Mahanavami. This is the last day of Navaratri. Celebrations and traditions reach a climax on this day. On this day, official military sacrifices were made at one of the palaces at Hanuman Dhoka, in the courtyard of Kot. During this time, the state offers corpse sacrifices under gun appeals. This day is also known as the day of demon hunting because members of a defeated demonic army try to save themselves by hiding in the bodies of animals and birds.
In Mahanavami, Vishvakarman, the god of creation, is worshiped as a deity who believed that all the things that help us make money should be kept happy. Craftsmen, artisans, merchants, and mechanics serve and donate the blood of animals and birds to their tools, machinery, and vehicles. In addition, since it is believed that the worship of cars on this day avoids annual accidents for all vehicles from bicycles, trucks to trucks are worshiped on this day.
The gates of the Taleju Temple are open to the public only on this day of the year. Thousands of devotees marched in honor of the goddess on this day. The temple is filled with people who dedicate themselves all day long.
Day 10: Bijaya Dashami or Vijaya Dashami
Father and mother put the tika on the heads of their children during the Dashain ceremony. The tenth day of the festival is 'Bijayadashmi'. On this day, a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion is mixed. This adjustment is known as "Tika". The Dashain time is usually different from year to year.
The elders put this each and Jamara sown in Ghatasthapana on the foreheads of younger relatives to bless them with abundance in the years to come. Red represents the blood that binds a family together. The elders give "Dakshina", or a small amount of money, to younger relatives at this time and blessings. This continues for five days until the full moon when families and relatives visit each other to exchange gifts and greetings.
This practice of taking Dele from all the older relatives (even distant relatives) helps to rekindle the most social relations. This is one of the reasons why the festival is celebrated with much vigor and enthusiasm.
Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima
The last day of the festival a full moon day is called 'Kojagrat' Purnima. Kojagrat's literal descriptions are 'who is awake'. On this day the goddess Laxmi who is believed to be the economic goddess is worshiped as it is believed that the goddess Laxmi came down to earth and showed anyone who was awake all night with wealth and prosperity. During this day people play cards and do a lot of fun with the family.
The elder celebrates the Dashain festival by placing a tika on the junior baby. Animal sacrifices are often the norm, as the festival commemorates the bloody battles between “demonic” forces and the demons. Proponents of animal sacrifice interpret this practice as a symbolic sacrifice of our animal characteristics, but those who oppose the emphasis on animal sacrifice say that the act of sacrifice is nothing but an excuse to crave food.
Why is Dashain such a wonderful festival in Nepalese?
Dashain is the most beautiful and favorite festival of all ages People. The festival provides an opportunity to reunite with their families and relatives whom they have not seen or met for a long time.
People who work away from home or their home country go to their home country to celebrate with family, friends, and relatives. Also, strikers buy new clothes for their children. The children are very fond of the festival because they get about a month's holiday, eat delicious food, meet their cousins, and wear new clothes and above all, they receive money which is a form of blessing and gift and known as Dakshina from a large family member.
Families get together and prepare a good party and some get involved in playing card games. Also, large bamboo swings are being made in communities to play. Religious people fly kites that make the sky full of kites and colors.
What are the types of celebrations Dashain festival?
Malshree Dhun is included in traditional Nepalese music like Dashain's music. It’s a show announcing that Dashain has arrived. Malashree Dhun is one of the oldest known musical forms of the New artform, dating back to the 17th century. At the right time and the fact that Dashain was made to be celebrated not only by the Newars but also by all the Nepalese, this rhetoric is now part of the nation's culture and is played out during Dashain's time.
What is basically a Dashain's culture?
As Dashain approaches, kite flying is becoming more common. Kite riding has been a very important part of the Dasain celebration in the country, as it is considered one way to remind God not to send rain again. During the festival people of all ages climb the kites on their roofs. Colored kites with the words ‘change cheat’ (this phrase is often used when someone cuts someone else’s rope) fills the days during the ceremony.
Playing cards is another way to celebrate Dasain. While the kids get busy flying during Dasain, the older family members spend most of their time getting together and playing cards with each other for money and fun.
Buying and wearing new clothes is an important part of the celebration. Since many villagers live below the poverty line, it is not uncommon for new clothes to arrive in Dasain. Almost all stores have festival plans and discounts. This makes the purchase more attractive. Clothing is something that has the highest sales during the festival.
Kids playing traditional swiping(Ping hai guys😁😂 )
Bamboo swings are being built in many parts of the country as a way to celebrate. Dashian's change is called 'ping' in Nepali. They can introduce local culture, tradition, community spirit, and entertainment. These exchanges are made by members of the community in traditional ways using ropes made of heavy grass, bamboo sticks and wood, etc.
These interests are usually built a week before Ghatasthapana and demolished only after the Tihar festival coming after Dasain. The height of some exchanges exceeds 20 meters. People of all ages enjoy taking turns. They are especially popular with children.
Festivities and celebrations are planned during the festival. Usually, small tails are arranged in villages with Ferris wheels for children and other adult entertainment. However, in the cities Fairs, trade and festivals are usually organized.
Thousands of animals are slaughtered, including buffalo, ducks, and rams in Dasain every year. It is considered an important festival as it is alleged that the goddesses were enticed by such sacrifices. Almost all temples, especially the temples of Durga and Kali, were offered thousands of sacrifices.
Ashtami and Navami are days when sacrifices reach a peak. While thousands of animals were sacrificed to please the goddesses, the people also slaughtered animals for festivals. As more festivals and gatherings are organized throughout the fifteen days of the festival, the demand for meat increases dramatically. To meet the demand, slaughtering animals becomes very high and necessary.
Over the past few years, however, animal rights activists in the country have been increasingly vocal in their opposition to these massacres. They have been urging people to abstain from these inhuman practices and instead offer fruits and vegetables to the goddesses as they believe it is not stated in the Hindu religious texts that animal sacrifices please the gods and goddesses.
Long Holidays with Flying Kites at the Great Hindu Festival
Schools, Colleges, and Offices were closed during Dashain's tenure. This is a time for family, friends, and relatives to meet from time to time, often getting involved in their careers and business. This is the reason why the people of Nepalese celebrate Dashain with great enthusiasm.
One thing one notices during Dashain's time, the kites flying in the sky. If you see kites flying somewhere in the sky you can easily imagine Dashain taking over. The kites in the sky represent Dashain since it has become a tradition among Nepalese to fly kites at this time.
Temporary bamboo rotations are set up in an open area near the surrounding areas where children gather to give it away. You can be diagnosed if you see adults. These interests are compounded later when Dashain concludes.
Card Game
Playing cards has become a tradition in Dashian's day. Adults get involved in card games where they play for fun or money for both of them.
Dashain Shopping has become a tradition among Nepalese as well. And this is becoming more and more popular as stores offer great discounts, bonuses, lucky draws and gift interruptions just before Dashain’s time.
Animal Sacrifice
Animal sacrifice is another event that has taken place during this time. Animals such as goats, buffalo, ducks, and rams are sacrificed to please the Hindu goddess Durga for her blessing on the family. Although people have strongly criticized the practice since thousands and thousands of animals lost their lives during Dashain's time.
Disabled relatives and family members gather in the same place where the elders bless Tika with their relatives. This is the most important part of the Dashain era since Dashain is all about getting Tika on the forehead and receiving blessings from the elders and honoring them.
Nepal is rich in culture, traditions, and ceremonies and Dashain is one of them. This is a festival that describes the culture of Nepalese. This is a celebration that creates a strong bond between family members. This is a celebration that promotes love and affection among family members.
When is the Dashain Festival in 2020?
This year, the most day of the Dashain Festival – Ghatasthapana falls on 17 October, the seventh-day Pulpati are going to be praised on 23 October. Asthma is widely known on 24 October and Nawami on 25 October and Dashami on 26 October respectively. Furthermore, for five additional days till 30 October which is named Kojagrat Purnima, this festival is widely known. Till Kojagrat Purnima, relative and relatives members visit each other’s house to place Tika and receive blessings from their relatives.
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Date Dashain in 2020:- Monday, October 26