Nepal’s most significant and longest festival, Dashain, officially began today. This 15-day celebration marks the start of a joyous occasion for Hindus in Nepal and around the globe, including vibrant Nepali communities in the United States. Also known as Bada Dashain or Vijaya Dashami, this cherished festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, rooted in the Hindu mythological victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Dashain is a time of family reunions, cultural traditions, spiritual devotion, and communal joy, bringing together Nepali Hindus in a vibrant display of their rich heritage.
The first day of Dashain is known as Ghatasthapana, a sacred occasion when families perform a ceremonial ritual to sow barley seeds in a small pot or tray. Over the next nine days, these seeds will grow into sacred sprouts called “jamara,” symbolizing prosperity, growth, and Nepal’s deep agricultural and religious heritage. This ritual, conducted in homes and temples, sets the tone for the festive season, invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga and preparing families for the spiritual and cultural journey ahead.
Dashain is far more than a religious festival; it’s the heartbeat of Nepali culture and identity. Commemorating Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, the festival symbolizes the eternal triumph of righteousness over malevolence. In Nepal, Dashain prompts a mass exodus from cities as millions travel to their ancestral homes to reunite with family, strengthening bonds across generations. The festival is a vibrant showcase of Nepali traditions, with communities coming together to fly kites, build traditional bamboo swings (ping), and share lavish feasts featuring dishes like sel roti (a ring-shaped rice doughnut), goat curry, and other delicacies.
The festival spans 15 days, with each day carrying its own rituals and significance. The tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, is the pinnacle of the celebration. On this day, elders bless younger family members with tika—a mixture of rice, yogurt, and red vermilion—applied to the forehead, along with sprigs of jamara. These ceremonial items are powerful symbols of blessings, prosperity, and the enduring bonds that tie families and communities together. The tika and jamara ceremony are a heartfelt moment of love, respect, and unity, as families exchange blessings and gifts.
In the United States, Nepali Hindu communities are embracing Dashain with enthusiasm, bringing the spirit of Nepal to cities like New York, California, Texas, and Virginia. Homes, temples, and community centers are adorned with traditional decorations, and families are gathering to perform rituals, share festive meals, and celebrate their cultural heritage. The Ghatasthapana ritual, with its sowing of jamara, is being observed in countless Nepali American households, connecting the diaspora to their roots.
The 15 days of Dashain are filled with meaningful rituals. The festival begins on Ghatasthapana (Day 1), when families sow barley seeds to grow jamara and set up a small altar to worship Goddess Durga. This sacred act marks the official start of the festivities.
The period from Days 2 to 9 is dedicated to prayer and devotion. During this time, followers offer prayers to Goddess Durga and her various forms, seeking strength and blessings. While animal sacrifices may be part of the tradition in Nepal, this practice is less common in the U.S. due to cultural and legal differences.
The celebration reaches its climax on Vijaya Dashami (Day 10). This day is highlighted by the tika and jamara ceremony, where elders bless younger family members. This ritual symbolizes love, protection, and prosperity. Following the ceremony, families come together to exchange gifts and enjoy festive feasts.
The final days, from 11 to 15, are a time for strengthening community ties through visits to relatives. The festival officially concludes on the last day, Kojagrat Purnima, which is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Dashain’s universal message of hope, unity, and the victory of good over evil resonates across cultures and borders. For Nepali Hindus in the U.S., the festival is a bridge between their ancestral traditions and their lives in a new land, fostering pride and belonging.
In 2023, Maryland became the first US state to recognize the Nepali festival Dashain as a commemorative day. Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the Dashain Commemorative Day bill into law, making Maryland the first state in the US to officially recognize the festival. Governor Moore, the first Black Governor in Maryland’s history and the third African American elected Governor in the US, signed the bill which was introduced by Delegate Dr. Harry Bhandari.
The bill acknowledges that Dashain Day is a festival originating in Nepal that celebrates and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The spiritual Sanskrit phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” emphasizes the belief that the world is one family.
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Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha is a Europe-based journalist. He covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs. Shrestha previously worked as a reporter for Khasokhas in Nepal.
