Dashain (दशैं)

Dashain (दशैं) is the biggest festival in Nepal, celebrated by Hindus and many other communities across the country. It falls during the bright lunar fortnight in the months of September or October (Ashwin-Kartik in the Nepali calendar).

The festival commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. For children, Dashain is a magical time — schools close for an extended holiday, families gather together, and the skies fill with colorful kites.

On the first day, called Ghatasthapana, a sacred clay pot (Kalash) is planted with barley seeds (Jamara) in a special prayer room. Families visit temples, swing on bamboo sways (Ping), fly kites (Changa), and wear new clothes.

On the tenth day, called Vijaya Dashami, elders place Tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermillion) and Jamara (barley sprouts) on the foreheads of younger family members, along with blessings. This is the most important ritual of Dashain.