Dashain, Nepal’s Version of Dussehra, know how it’s celebrated there:

Dashain is a 10-day-long festival about the victory of good upon darkness. It is considered the longest and the biggest festival celebrated by Hindus. It’s not just Hindu but people of all faiths join in for the celebrations. This festival has a lot of cultural and historical significance to Nepal.

Links to Ramayana and Mahishasura

Nepal has always been an integral part of the Ramayana, it is where Sita was born to the Royal Family of Mithili and was raised there before getting married to Rama and moving to Ayodhya. While for Indians this festival celebrates the defeat of Ravana. The Nepalese celebrate the Goddess Durga who killed the demon Mahishasura, ending his reign of terror.

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Days to Remember

The first day of Ghatasthapana is marked by a special folk Dance called Jhijhiya, performed across the Mithila of Madhesh Province. On this day, people place Kalash in their houses filled with Holy water and barley seeds. This Kalash symbolises Goddess Durga.

On the 7th day i.e. Phulpati, government officials gather at the Tundikhel grounds in formal dress to witness the Nepalese Army display of power by continuous firing for 10 to 15 minutes.

The Tenth day, Bijaya Dashami, is considered the most important day of Dashian. On this day the young one of the family pays respect to their elders and receives their blessings in the form of a tika, a mixture of vermilion, rice and yoghurt.

Cuisine to Kites

Throughout the 10 days, thoughts of goats and buffaloes are slaughtered and presented to Goddess Durga as sacrifices. These meats are then cooked and served as a feast in temples around the country.

Small fests and fairs sprout across the country consisting of ferris wheels and minigames to play. Children fly kites during this period and the adults play cards as a way of celebrating the festival and to win some money. It is considered to be an auspicious time to buy new things, from clothes to accessories.

Bonding Season

The population of the City of Kathmandu reduces to half during these ten days as all the people go back to their birthplace to spend time with their families. These ten days prove to be a good time for them to bond with their elders and pay their respects to them.

Tomorrow marks the tenth day of this festival, where the Tika ceremony will be celebrated as India celebrates Dussehra.