CELEBRATION OF DASHAIN

During the month of Kartik (late September and Early October) the Nepalese people indulge in the biggest festival of Year Dashain .

Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festivals in the Nepalese annual calendar celebrated by Nepalese of all Caste and creed throughout the country.

Dashain commemorate a great victory of the gods over the wicked demons. On the victory stories told is the Ramayan. Where the lord Ram after big struggle slaughtered Ravana, the fiendish king of demons. It is said that lord Ram was successful in the battle only when goodness Durga was evoked.

Dashain is Celebrated with great rejoice and goodness Durga is worshiped throughout the kingdom as the divine mother goodness.

According to the legend, the blood thirsty goodness Durga conquered evils on the Dashain day. Huge animal of animals scarifies take place during the festival in temples and in name to please the goodness Durga some people may take such animal sacrifices negatively but they might forget now they came by their meat on their plate. There are lots western countries consuming mass amount of meat the hundreds and thousand.

The first day of Dashain is called ghatasthapana, which means establishing of the holy water vessel. Which is represents the goddess Durga, barley seeds are planted in it this is done to request Durga for her blessing.

Following seven days passed by regular ritual. Seven days is called fulpati in fulpati royal kalash filled with holy water banana stalks, jamara and sugar cane tied with red cloth is carried by brahmans on a decorated palanquin under a gold tipped and embroidered umbrella.

After the eight and ninth day is called ‘Asthami’ and ‘Aavami’ on these days machine, shops, equipments, vehicles are worshipped. Sacrificing of animals is also done in these two days finally the tenth day is Dashami. On this day we take tika and jamara from our elders along with tika dakshina is also given which is even more famous among kids, the importance of Dashain also lies in the fact that on this day family members from far off and distant relatives comes for a visit as well as receive tika from the head of family. This function continues for four days. After four days of rushing around and meeting relatives Dashain ends in full moon, the fifteenth day is the last day people stay at home and rest. The full moon day is also called kojagrata meaning who is awake? The Hindu goddess of wealth Laxmi is worshipped. On this day the goddess Laxmi is given an invitation to visit each and everyone.

Dashain is the festival of love sharing, belongings prosperity followed by all positive and good things. We are now on the way to Dashain. People have started making their plan for Dashain it will be very much fun and lots of excitement. Hence I wish a happy Dashain to every Nepalese all over the world happy Dashain 2069. 

Shiva Raj Nepal