Dashain Festival in Nepal: A Celebration of Triumph, Tradition, and Togetherness
Introduction
Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in Nepal. This auspicious festival holds deep cultural and religious significance for the people of Nepal and the Nepali diaspora around the world. In this article, we will explore the traditions, customs, and the vibrant spirit of Dashain, which has been celebrated for centuries.
1. The Significance of Dashain
Dashain is celebrated to commemorate the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. It is a time when Hindus across Nepal gather to offer their prayers and gratitude to the goddess, seeking her blessings for prosperity, good health, and protection from evil. The festival also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
2. Festival Duration
Dashain spans 15 days, starting from the bright lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Nepali month of Ashwin and concluding on the full moon day (Purnima). The most important days of the festival are the last nine days, known as Navaratri, during which devotees intensify their worship of the goddess Durga.
3. Worship and Rituals
During Dashain, families create a sacred space in their homes called "Jamara Ghar." They plant barley seeds in this space, which grow into tall yellow grass by the end of the festival. This grass is known as "jamara" and is considered to be an embodiment of the goddess Durga. On the seventh day of Dashain, known as "Phulpati," devotees receive a combination of jamara, flowers, and other auspicious items from the royal Kumari of Kathmandu, which is then distributed among family members.
On the eighth day, known as "Maha Ashtami," special prayers and rituals are conducted. People also worship various animals such as buffaloes, goats, and chickens as a symbol of the sacrifice that took place during the battle between goddess Durga and Mahishasura.
4. Tika and Jamara
The tenth day of Dashain is the most significant and is known as "Vijaya Dashami." On this day, elders place tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermillion) and jamara on the foreheads of younger family members, along with blessings for their prosperity and success. This tradition fosters a sense of unity, love, and respect among family members.
5. Cultural Traditions
Apart from the religious rituals, Dashain is a time for family reunions and cultural festivities. People put on their finest clothes, exchange gifts, and share delicious traditional meals. Kite flying is a popular Dashain pastime, with colorful kites filling the skies as families compete to cut each other's strings.
6. Dashain Around Nepal
While the core essence of Dashain remains the same, different regions of Nepal have unique customs and traditions that add diversity to the festival. For instance, in the Terai region, people observe the "Nawami" festival with great enthusiasm, while in the Newar community, the "Siddhi Lakshmi Puja" is an integral part of Dashain celebrations.
7. Conclusion
Dashain Festival in Nepal is a time of profound spiritual significance and cultural celebration. It brings people together to strengthen familial bonds, express gratitude, and seek blessings for a prosperous future. The vibrant traditions, rituals, and customs associated with Dashain make it a remarkable and unmissable experience for anyone visiting Nepal during this festive season. Embrace the spirit of Dashain, and you will witness the rich tapestry of Nepali culture and spirituality.
Malshree or Malashree Dhun or Malshree Dhoon (Nepal Bhasa: मालश्री धून) is a Hindu Newa artform in which musicians perform devotional music, based on classical raga and taal system. The dhun is incorporated into mainstream Nepalese music as the music of Dashain. It is the tune that announces that Dashain, the biggest Hindu festival of Nepal, has arrived. Malashree dhun is one of the oldest surviving devotional musics of Nepal, with its origin in the 17th century. The Malshree dhun originally belongs to the Newari culture from the Kathmandu valley, and it’s a folk music of Newari culture which later on got amalgamated with the large Nepali culture and has become a traditional music of the biggest festival of Nepal, Dashain.
Video above : Dashain Mangal Dhun | Malshree Dhoon Music Non Stop
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