While researching for the next state in my Navratri series, I stumbled upon a celebration not just in another state but in an entirely different country. What caught my attention was Dashain, the largest and grandest festival in Nepal. The energy of the festivities, the mouth-watering food, and the deep-rooted traditions gave me goosebumps. So today, I’m excited to share about Dashain—Nepal’s biggest and most vibrant celebration!
The Festivities of Dashain: A Time for Family, Food, and Fun
Dashain is eagerly awaited by children and families across Nepal. For children, it's a time of excitement—soaring on bamboo swings, flying kites, wearing new clothes, and receiving gifts from elders. Families come together to feast on special delicacies, celebrating this joyous time with enthusiasm.
Unlike many celebrations in India, the pujas and main rituals in Dashain are traditionally performed by the male members of the family in a darkened Pooja room, with the rest of the family joining in only on Dashami day. Dashain's significance stems from its worship of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, a theme that resonates throughout the festival.
The Ritual of Bali and Its Evolution
Central to the Dashain festival is the ritual of animal sacrifice, or Bali. The sacrifice symbolizes the purification of one’s vices—anger, lust, greed, and prejudice. However, modern interpretations suggest that the real sacrifice should be of the “inner animal”—slaying these vices within oneself, and thus protecting innocent animals. Some Buddhist communities observe Dashain by fasting, meditating, and praying, apologizing to the universe for any harm caused during the festival.
Unique Dashain Traditions: Cleaning, Kite Flying, and Bamboo Swings
Across Nepal, preparations for Dashain begin with the cleaning of homes, painting them afresh, and buying new clothes. Elders also collect new notes and coins to give as Dakshina. Children, meanwhile, have a great time flying kites, an activity that peaks during Saptami and Navami. Kite flying during Dashain is believed to send messages to Lord Indra, asking him to stop the monsoon rains as it's harvest time. Some also believe that kites carry messages to their ancestors, letting them know their loved ones are well.
One of the most exciting parts of Dashain is the Lingey Ping—bamboo and twine swings set up in neighborhoods. It’s said that everyone should leave the ground and detach themselves from the earth at least once a year, and these swings offer that chance for both children and adults alike.
The Sacred Pujas of Dashain
The puja room is darkened and cleansed in preparation for Ghatasthapana, the beginning of Dashain. A Kalash is placed, and prayers are offered by the male members of the family for the next nine days. Goddess Mahakali, MahaLakshmi, and MahaSaraswati are invoked to reside in the Kalash, symbolizing protection and blessings for the household.
On Saptami, known as Phulpatti, the excitement builds with the arrival of a bouquet of nine plants representing Goddess Durga. This Navapatrika is brought into the puja room with much fanfare and is worshipped throughout the festival.
Maha Ashtami and Navami are the key days of animal sacrifices, particularly on Kalratri, the night between Ashtami and Navami. At Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu, 108 animals are sacrificed as an offering to the Goddess. Meanwhile, many households offer vegetarian alternatives like coconuts and sugarcane as a symbolic sacrifice.
Dashami is the highlight of the festival, where the whole family, dressed in their best, gathers in the previously darkened puja room. Here, they receive Tikka, a mixture of vermilion, yogurt, and rice grains, placed on their foreheads by the elders. This sacred ritual is said to open the third eye, the one that looks inward for self-awareness and spiritual growth. Along with Tikka, family members are given Jamara, the newly sprouted barley seedlings, to place on their heads as a symbol of blessings for prosperity. Red and white threads are tied around their wrists as a mark of protection and unity.
The festival concludes with Kojagrat Purnima, a night dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Families decorate their homes with lights, draw intricate Alpana (rangoli) patterns to welcome the Goddess, and stay awake all night, singing bhajans and waiting for her arrival. It is believed that the Goddess visits homes that remain awake, bringing blessings and fortune. The next day, the Kalash and Jamara are ceremoniously immersed in local waterbodies, marking the end of the festival.
Dashain is a time of joy, spirituality, and togetherness. From the rituals of cleansing and worship to the fun of kite flying and bamboo swings, every aspect of this festival speaks to the importance of honoring both the divine and one’s family.
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