How is Dasain celebrated?

Posted by blog
Posted on Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 at 1:49 am

Tags: astami, bijaya dashami, dasain, festivals, fulpati, Ghatasthapana, nawami, taleju bhawani

Dasain is Nepal’s biggest annual festival. It is celebrated for fifteen days starting from the new moon of Asoj (September or October). Also known as Durga Puja or Dashera, this festival marks the victory of goddess Durga over the demon king Mahisasur.

On the first day, Ghatasthapana, people plant barley (jamara) in a kalash (vessel). Getting the seeds to sprout a few centimeters during Dasain ensures a good harvest. People visit various goddess temples and play cards. Children fly kites and enjoy swings supported by bamboo poles throughout the following days of the festival.

On the seventh day, Fulpati, a jar containing sacred flowers is brought to Hanuman Dhoka Palace from Gorkha. Maha Astami or the ‘Great Eighth Day’ follows Fulpati. This day starts with animal sacrifices and other offerings to Goddess Durga. At midnight, eight buffaloes and 108 goats are beheaded in the Taleju temple complex in Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Sacrifices continue throughout the next day, Nawami. Blood is sprinkled on tools, vehicles and even aircrafts to impart Durga’s power.

On Bijaya Dashami, the ‘Victorious Tenth Day’, people visit elders to receive blessings and tika. The barley sprouts (jamara) that were planted on the first day are picked up and worn in the hair. The President, Prime Minister and Kumari, the living goddess, also bestow tika to all comers. This day also celebrates the victory of Lord Ram over the evil demon King Ravana. In the evening, various processions and masked dances are held in the Kathmandu valley. The Khadga Jatra or sword procession features priests dressed up as various gods and carrying wooden swords.