Dhawalāgiri Zone

We tried to sleep in today but by 5:30 we stirred and by 6:30 I gave up sleeping and journalled. We left for breakfast by 7:30. We are on our trekking hours! After breakfast 5 of us headed to find the scarf store Jen usually purchases from but they were closed as today is the biggest celebratory day of the festival. So we walked to Fewa Lake and walked the one side of the lake and enjoyed seeing the boats which we may rent in the coming days and hire a local to paddle us around. We saw lots of families out with their Tika painted on their foreheads and dressed up beautifully. At this festival time they build special swings and small ferris wheels because they "leave the earth" as part of the tradition. We stopped for drinks on the way back. Today was very hot and humid. I brought Anthony back to the same places for a walk and we found a different spot for drinks. We got our bearings and window shopped on the way back to our hotel. Tomorrow is our massage day, yaay!

Dashain Festival in Nepal, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is the biggest and longest festival celebrated by Hindus. Dashain lies in the month of Ashwin (September/October). Ashwin is believed to be the happiest month of the year for Nepalese people and is a time for families and loved ones to get together.

Importance of Dashain in Nepalese Culture

Dashain celebrates the victory of good over evil. It brings people together as they enjoy the niceties of life.

As the people visit the temples and perform rituals, they acknowledge a higher benevolent god that looks over the mortals to foster a liveable society. The festival also provides Nepalis time to think over the spiritual side of life. 

Dashain concludes with the elders putting a tika on the forehead of the younger counterparts. This very act reminds the young people to respect their elders. It also teaches the newer generation to continue the Dashain traditions.

Dashain transcends or mitigates the social, economic, and caste boundaries. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate. It promotes social harmony and unity
 
Important Days during Dashain Festival in Nepal

Dashain is celebrated for fifteen days and the tenth is the most important. Here are the most significant days.

Ghatasthapana: the first day
Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana, which means placing a Kalasha (a traditional pot) that symbolizes the goddess Durga. This is the day when the Jamara (seedlings) are planted inside a room. The seeds used are barley, maize, paddy, etc. The Jamara is worshipped for nine days and used for worship on the tenth day. 
Phulpati: the seventh day
Phulpati is made of two words - Phul means flower, and Pati means plants. On this day, devotees worship Durga by offering nine types of flowers and plants. Such a worship is supposed to take care of the health and prosperity of devotees.  Nationally, at the Dashainghar in Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu, Fulpati from Nuwakot is transferred. The Nepali army forms a special parade in front of VIP delegates.
Maha Asthami: eighth day
This is the eighth day of Dashain, where devotees try to appease the bloodthirsty Kali by offering her animal sacrifices of buffaloes, goats, hens, and ducks. The animal sacrifice is also carried out on Kathmandu Durbar Square and Nepal's presidential palace premises. Later in the day, there is a huge feast. The ethnic Newars observe “Khadka Puja” by worshiping their weapons on this day.
Maha Navani: ninth day
Maha Navani is the last day of Navaratri, celebrated with extensive animal sacrifice. The Nepal Armed Forces perform animal sacrifices and fire a 21-gun salute. This is also the day when artisans, traders, and mechanics offer animal sacrifices while worshipping their tools, equipment, and vehicles. It is the only day the Taleju Temple in Hanuman Dhoka is open for public worship. 
Bijaya Dashami: the tenth day
This is the biggest day of the Dashain festival, which cumulates with putting tika (a mixture of vermillion, curd, rice) on the foreheads of youngers. The Jamara shown in Fulpati is also placed on the heads of the tika receivers. Further, the elders give small amounts of money as Dakshina to the youngsters after putting on the tika and blessing them. The tika is offered for five more days (until the full moon day).
Kojagrat Purnima: the fifteenth (last) day
Kojagrat means “who is awake”. On this day, followers worship Goddess Laxmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity). Hindus believe that on this night, Laxmi descends to earth to shower wealth to those awake during the night. 

How do People Celebrate the Dashain Festival in Nepal?

Dashain celebrations involve various customs and traditions. Here are ten ways people celebrate Dashain in Nepal.

1. Family Reunions
During Dashain, family members come together, often traveling long distances to celebrate with their loved ones. It's a time for family bonding and togetherness. This is particularly important as many Nepalis are outside the country for employment. 
2. Flying Kites
Kite flying is a popular tradition during Dashain. People of all ages fly colorful kites, and competitions are held among kite flyers. Hindus believe that the flying kites send a message to the rain god to stop sending more rain. 
3. Swings (Ping)
Swing sets are erected in many public places, and people, especially children, enjoy swinging on them. It's a symbol of fun and festivity. You can see traditional temporary swings made from bamboo and ropes. In cities, there are modern swings different from traditional ones.
4. New Clothes and Gifts
People wear new clothes during Dashain and exchange gifts among family and friends. This symbolizes the renewal of relationships. The children mostly enjoy their new clothes. We believe that this tradition of wearing new clothes began when the clothes were not very affordable.
5. Tika and Jamara
Elders bless the young ones by applying Tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermillion) and placing Jamara (barley grass) on their foreheads. This symbolizes protection and good fortune.
6. Animal Sacrifice
Sacrificing animals like goats, buffaloes, or chickens to honor the goddess Durga is quite common. The meat is then shared among family and friends. Vegetarians cut vegetables as a symbol of offering to Durga.
7. Card Games and Gambling
Though illegal, people do gamble in Dashain. It's a time when people enjoy friendly competitions and games. You can observe several types of gambling, like cards, kauda, and Langur Burja during Dashain.
8. Visiting Temples and Shrines
Many people visit temples and shrines to seek blessings and offer their prayers to the goddess Durga. Nepal has thousands of temples in each and every corner of the country, especially in the Kathmandu Valley.
9. Music and Dance
Festive music and traditional dances are performed in various communities. It's a time for cultural expression and entertainment. You can hear special celebratory tunes throughout Nepal during Dashain.
10. Feasting
No festival is complete without good food. Dashain is a time of indulgence in delicious Nepali cuisine. Families prepare elaborate feasts with dishes like sel roti, mutton curry, and sweets.

We witnessed all of the above today. It was a very happy, festive day for sure🥰Read more