Dashain - दशैं - Nepali Date Today

Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is the biggest and most auspicious festival of Nepal, celebrated by the Hindus all over the country. It is a 15-day long festival that usually falls in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar.

The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, with the goddess Durga being the main deity of worship during the festival. The first nine days of the festival are known as Navaratri, during which devotees offer prayers and perform religious ceremonies to appease the goddess. The tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami, marks the victory of good over evil, when it is believed that the goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura.

The festival is also a time for families to come together and celebrate. People return to their ancestral homes and spend time with their relatives, enjoying traditional food, playing games, and exchanging gifts. Kites are flown in the sky, and traditional music and dance performances take place throughout the country.

The festival is an important part of Nepali culture and tradition, and is eagerly awaited by people of all ages. The celebrations during Dashain truly showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nepal, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting the country.

Day 5: Phulpati - On this day, flowers and banana stalks are brought to Kathmandu from Gorkha, the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty. The royal kalash, a sacred water vessel, is also brought from the royal palace in Kathmandu to the Taleju temple.

Day 6: Mahaastami - This day is dedicated to the goddess Durga, and many animal sacrifices are made in her honor. Devotees visit temples to offer prayers and receive blessings. In the evening, a large-scale puja is held in Hanuman Dhoka, the royal palace complex in Kathmandu.

Day 7: Phulpati - The day of the seventh day is also known as "Fulpati". Fulpati is a tradition of bringing various flowers and plants from the surrounding areas of Kathmandu valley to be used on the eighth day.

Day 9: Maha Navami - The eighth day of Dashain is dedicated to the goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. Many animal sacrifices are made on this day, and devotees visit temples to offer prayers and receive blessings.

Day 10: Vijaya Dashami - The final day of Dashain, also known as "Tika" day, is the most important. On this day, family members gather to receive blessings and tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion paste) from their elders. It is also common to exchange gifts and celebrate with feasting and merrymaking.