Dashain and Tihar Festival

Dahain and Tihar festivals are the main festivals in Nepal and are celebrated worldwide by people of Nepalese heritage. Dashain is one of the biggest festivals, which lasts for 15 days, starting from the first day of the full moon phase in September or October and ending on the full moon day. It is called Kojagrath. During Dashain, there is joy and happiness in the community, with people singing, dancing, and celebrating together. Each day of Dashain includes a special cultural activity and worship of Goddess Durga. In this festival, people receive blessings from their elders, put tika (rice soaked in vermilion color), and yellow-colored jamara.

Right after Dashain, the Tihar festival is celebrated for five days to strengthen relationships between people, nature, animals, and especially brothers and sisters. There is a special ritual to honor the bond between siblings. People make groups and visit homes to play Deusi and Bhailo, which are traditional songs and dances, and the house owner gives them food and money in return for blessings. Tihar is a joyful time filled with lights, dances, songs, and cultural performances that unite communities.

Why is Dashain the Biggest Festival in Nepal?

Dashain is the biggest festival in Nepal because it is a time for family gatherings, religious celebrations, and honoring important traditions. It is the most popular festival in Nepal. Dashain usually takes place in September or October and lasts for 15 days. Dashain is more than just a festival. It brings people in Nepal and worldwide together, creating a sense of unity. Dashain importance has grown, especially during times when people feel more divided. Besides Nepal, Hindus in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh also celebrate Dashain. 

Culture and Religious Significance Of Dashain

Dashain is one of Nepal’s biggest festivals, deeply connected to culture and religion. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and brings people together to enjoy life’s blessings. During the festival, people visit temples and perform rituals to honor a kind god who helps protect them and improve society. It’s also a time for Nepalis to think about the spiritual part of life.

At the end of the festival, elders place a tika on the younger ones’ foreheads, reminding them to respect their elders and keep the traditions of Dashain alive. Dashain brings people together, breaking down differences in social status, money, or caste and promoting unity in communities. There are many stories about why Dashain is celebrated; here are two of the most famous ones:

Goddess Durga

The oldest story about Dashain, a mythical character mentioned in Vedas, including Rigveda. The name Durga means “the inaccessible” or “the invincible.” Durga is also mentioned in the Mahabharata and Ramayana, although in different ways. While Dashain mainly focuses on Durga, other gods like Laxmi are also involved. Durga is worshipped with 108 names, and ancient texts from the 14th century describe how her worship should be done. 

Durga is a warrior goddess who rides a tiger and carries weapons given by male gods, including a bow, sword, and trident. These images of Durga were common as far back as the 4th century. Versions of Durga also appear in Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Dashain celebrates Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, a battle that lasted ten days. Because of this, Durga is called Mahishasuramardini, meaning “the killer of Mahishasure.”

King Rama

Another important story linked to Dashain comes from the Ramayana. It tells of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, who killed the demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. Rama prayed to Durga for help during this battle and defeated Ravana on Dashami on the tenth day. Even today, Hindus burn effigies of Ravana and other demons to remember this event. 

Some Important Days During Dashain?

Dashain lasts for fifteen days, with the tenth day being the most important. Here are the most important days of the festival:

Ghatasthapana: The First Day

Dashain starts with Ghatasthapana, where a sacred pot called Kalasha, symbolizing Durga, is placed. On this day, seedlings called Jamara (barley, maize, rice) are planted indoors. The Jamara is worshipped for nine days and used in ceremonies on the tenth day. 

Phulpati: The Seventh Day

Phulpati means “flowers and plants.” On this day, people offer nine types of flowers and plants to Durga for health and prosperity. In Kathmandu, Phulpati from Nuwakot is brought to Dashainghar, and the Nepal army holds a special parade. 

Maha Ashtami: The Eight Day

On this day, people offer animal sacrifices to please the goddess Kali. Buffaloes, goats, chickens, and ducks are sacrificed at Kathmandu Durbar Square and the president’s palace. Later, there is a big feast. The Newar community also performs “Khadka Puja,” where they worship their weapons.

Maha Navami: The Ninth Day

Maha Navami is the last day of Navaratri, marked by extensive animal sacrifices. And fires a 21-gun salute. Artisans, traders, and mechanics also offer sacrifices while worshipping their tools and vehicles. The Taleju Temple in Hanuman Dhoka is open to the public only on this day.

Bijaya Dashami: The Tenth Day

This is the most important day of Dashain. Elders put tika (a mixture of vermillion, curd, and rice) on the foreheads of younger family members and bless them. The Jamara from Fulpati is also placed on their heads. Elders also give small gifts of money, called Dakshina. The tika ceremony continues for five more days.

Kojagrat Purnima: The Fifteenth Day

Kojagrat means “who is awake.” On this night, people worship Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. It is believed that Laxmi visits earth at night to bless those who stay awake with wealth and prosperity. 

How to Celebrate Dashain Festival in Nepal

Dashain celebrations have many traditions. Here are some ways people in Nepal celebrate Dashain:

• Family Gatherings: Families come together during Dashain, often traveling from far away to be with loved ones. It’s a special time for bonding, especially for those working abroad.
• Swing (Ping): Temporary swings are set up in public areas, and both kids and adults enjoy them. These swings, often made of bamboo and rope, represent fun and festivity.
• Kite Flying: Flying kites is a popular activity during Dashain. People of all ages fly colorful kites, and some take part in competitions. Many believe flying kites sends a message to the rain god to stop the rain.
• New Clothes and Gifts: People wear new clothes and exchange gifts during Dashain, symbolizing fresh relationships. Children especially enjoy their new outfits, and this tradition started when clothes were less affordable.
• Animal Sacrifice: Animals like goats and chickens are sacrificed to honor goddess Durga. The meat is shared with family and friends. Vegetarians offer vegetables as a symbolic sacrifice.
• Tika and Jamara: Elders put Tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermillion) and Jamara (barley grass) on younger family members’ foreheads as a blessing for protection and good luck.
• Feasting: Families enjoy delicious meals, including traditional Nepali dishes like sel roti and mutton curry, making Dashain a time for feasting.
• Card Games and Gambling: Though gambling is illegal, many people play card games and gamble during Dashain, enjoying friendly competitions. 
• Music and Dance: Communities celebrate with music and traditional dances. Special songs and dances are performed throughout the country during Dashain. 

Tihar – A Major Festival Of Nepal

Tihar, also called Deepawali, Swanti, or Yamapanchak, is a five-day festival of lights. It celebrates animals, lights, people, and family bonds. During Tihar, people worship the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, Laxmi. The festival usually takes place in October or November, based on the lunar Bikram Sambat calendar.

Why is Tihar Called the Festival of Lights & Prosperity

Tihar is called the “Festival of Lights” because people use lamps, candles, and decorative lights during the celebration. Lighting oil lamps, called “diyo” or “dip,” represent the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Here are some reasons why Tihar is known this way:

• Symbol of Godness: In Hindu culture, light stands for goddess and purity. It is believed to drive away darkness and ignorance. Lighting lamps and candles symbolize removing darkness from life and whelming positive energy, knowledge, and prosperity. 
• Honor to Goddess Laxmi: One of the main days of Tihar is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People light lamps and candles to invite her into their homes, believing she will bring financial well-being and good fortune. 
• Decoration: Homes and public spaces are decorated with colorful lights, rangoli (designs made on the ground with colored powders), and oil lamps. These decorations create a joyful and festive atmosphere, making everything look bright and beautiful.  

5 Important days during Tihar

Tihar is the second biggest festival in Nepal, lasting five days, with each day having a special meaning. Here’s a simple breakdown of the day:

Day 1: Kaag Tihar (Crow Day)

On the first day, people honor crows, who are believed to be “messengers of death.” They sprinkle rice on the ground for the crows to eat. The tradition is to keep the crows happy so they don’t bring bad news in the coming year.

Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Dog Day)

The second day of Tihar is called Kukur Tihar, a day to honor dogs. In Nepal, people believe that dogs help guide the souls of the dead to heaven. On this day, people place Tika (a colored mark) on dogs’ foreheads, put garlands of marigolds around their necks, and give them special food as a treat. Dogs are considered important as “gatekeepers of death,” leading the dead across to the afterlife. 

Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Cows and Goddess of Wealth Day)

On the third day of Tihar, people honor cows and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. This is one of the most important days of the Tihar festival. People wake up early, clean their homes, and then show appreciation to cows by bathing them, decorating them with red tika and beautiful wreaths, and tying holy strings to their trails. 

In the evening, homes are decorated with candles, oil lamps, and bright lamps to attract Laxmi’s attention. Nepalese kids visit neighbors in groups and sing traditional Tihar songs like Deusi and Bhailo for fun and blessings. In return, the house owner gives them fruits, money, and sweets.  

Day 4: Goru Puja and Govardhan Puja 

The fourth day of Tihar is dedicated to oxen, which are considered the backbone of Nepali agriculture. These sturdy animals are worshipped with tika, garlands, and special meals as a gesture of gratitude for their valuable help in agriculture. This day is also known as Govardhan Puja, which honors Lord Krishna’s act of lifting Govardhan Hill to shield his fellow villagers from Lord Indra’s furious rains. Cow dung is shaped into hills that represent the Govardhan Hill and is worshiped. 

Day 5: Bhai Tika (Brothers and Sisters Day)

The last day of the Tihar festival is Bhai Tika. On this day, brothers and sisters come together. The sisters put seven-colored tikas on their brothers’ foreheads, give them garlands, and offer sweets. In return, brothers do the same and give gifts to their sisters. This tradition strengthens the relationship between the siblings. 

Conclusion

Dashain and Tihar are two major festivals in Nepal. Dashain is celebrated in late September or early October. In Dashain, families come together and celebrate. Dashain features feasting, rituals, and traditional games. Tihar, which occurs in October or November, is also known as the Festival of Lights. In Tihar, various animals like crows, dogs, cows, and oxen are worshipped, and homes are decorated with lights and rangoli. Dashain and Tihar are both festivals that are important for strengthening family bonds and cultural traditions in Nepal.

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