Dashain: A Timeless Celebration of Unity, Joy, and Culture

Nepal is a land of specific energy because the month of Ashwin, the beginning of Dashain, the most popular festival of the country, is celebrated there. It is a transition season that comes after the monsoon with clear blue skies, colorful kites flying in the air, and the aroma of newly painted houses and flowers. The mood of the whole place is one of high energy and excitement as the streets and villages are filled with people awaiting the celebrations that bring the Nepali people together, regardless of their case and creed.

At the inception of Dashain, the Hindu mythology as such, the worship of Goddess Durga, the embodiment of power and the good triumphing over evil, is present. Disregarding the fact that the ritual element of the festival consists of ancient traditions like prayers to Durga, jamara planting, and the custom of giving tika to the old, Dashain is not only about religion. It is also a cultural phenomenon that unites all Nepalis. Dashain is to some people a reunion, an invaluable chance to come home and family reunions with relatives and friends after a long time. Religious rituals are not merely the signifier of this festive season, but they also reflect the theme of unity, happiness, and a common cultural identity of the Nepali people. Ultimately, Dashain is a celebration that resonates with both divine and human elements, making it universally adored by all who partake in its traditions and communal spirit.

The Tale of Dashain

The Dashain festival is based on the powerful Hindu story of Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, who had a buffalo head.  At first, Mahishasura became very strong by doing hard penance, which gave him a boon that made him invincible against any man or god.  His arrogance after that led to the conquest of heaven and the spread of fear throughout the universe, making it impossible for either humans or gods to defeat him. In response to this crisis, the gods united to create Goddess Durga, a warrior who is a personification of all the god powers combined. Durga bravely fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights while riding a lion and using divine weapons like Shiva's trident and Vishnu's discus.  

During this fight, Mahishasura changed into many powerful forms, such as a buffalo, but she stayed strong and defeated him on the tenth day, which is known as Vijaya Dashami. This successful restoration of peace and order in the universe proves the age-old concept that good will always overcome evil, despite the power of the opponent.  People in Nepal celebrate Dashain by paying great respect to Goddess Durga during that time by performing rituals to encourage cleansing and seeking power, fortune, and safeguards.

Nava Durga: Forms of Deities of Dashain

Goddess Durga is at the center of Dashain and is the final embodiment of divine energy and power (Shakti). In the Indian religion, Durga is a terrifying yet caring mother who battled the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, who was the symbol of pride, violence, and devastation. After 9 days and nights of battle, on the 10th day, Durga overcame Mahishasura and created balance and justice, and it is this battle between good and evil that Dashain takes the greatest pleasure in remembering. On the 9th day, when we celebrate her power, it is referred to as Maha Navami, and on the 10th day, when we celebrate her eventual triumph, it is known as Vijaya Dashami.

During the nine nights of the Navaratri festival, worshippers celebrate various avatars of Durga, known as Nava Durga, where “Nava” means nine and “Durga” refers to the goddess. Each has a value or quality of life and spiritual development:

1. Shailaputri

Shailaputri is known as the daughter of the mountains and represents purity and devotion. A bull, a trident, and a lotus are often depicted alongside her, symbolizing her strength and calm.  People think that worshiping her will help them feel stable and grounded in life.

2. Brahmacharini

Brahmacharini is a symbol of discipline, penance, and perseverance.  She demonstrates her ability to control herself and devotion by holding a water pot and a rosary.  Her blessings bring spiritual strength to the followers, enabling them to remain strong and solve problems.

3. Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta is a brutal warrior goddess whose forehead has a crescent moon, which is shaped like a bell.  She is riding a tiger and carries numerous weapons, which make her followers strong and courageous.  Her appearance itself is full of bravery and marks the termination of the unpleasantness.

4. Kushmanda

Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe through her radiant smile, which is why she is the origin of creativity and life.  She provides her followers with warmth, power, and luck.  Her form is positive and has the capacity to give life itself.

5. Skandamata

Skandamata is the mother of Kartikeya (Skanda) and is the incarnation of love, protection, and compassion.  She is depicted as holding her son on her lap, indicating that she is a mother who safeguards her children against all forms of harm, besides steering them in doing the right thing.

6. Katyayani

Katyayani is one of Durga's most potent forms. People often pray to her to get rid of demons and bad things.  She rides a lion and carries a sword, which shows strength and righteous anger. She empowers her followers to meet demands.

7. Kalaratri

Kalaratri is the goddess's dark and protective form. She is known for eliminating fear and negativity.  She looks fierce, but she cares deeply about her followers and keeps them safe during hard times.

8. Mahagauri

Mahagauri is the embodiment of peace, calmness, and wisdom. The bright white of her look is the symbol of purity and spiritual clarity. People believe that she washes away their past sins, bringing them inner peace.

9. Siddhidatri

Siddhidatri is the goddess of supernatural gifts and achievements. Mahagauri is the embodiment of peace, calmness, and wisdom. The bright white of her look is the symbol of purity and spiritual clarity.

People admire her for bringing wisdom, success, and spiritual forces to them. The final form of worship of Navaratri is Durga. She is a person who symbolizes totality and fulfilment in life.

By respecting these forms, individuals holding these beliefs desire not only to be safe against harm but also to be strong, wise, and wealthy, as well as their families and communities.

Dashain Celebration: Its Significance

Dashain is fundamental to Nepalis. It is not only a religious holiday, but also a cultural tradition that brings families and communities together. There are three main ways to understand its importance:

1. Good triumphs over Evil

The story of Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura is where the festival comes from. Every year, people remember this victory as a reminder that good will always win over evil. Putting tika (a red mixture of rice and curd) on the foreheads of the younger generation is a ritual that shows this blessing: that goodness and success will guide their lives.

2. Renewal and Prosperity

Dashain is the start of something new. Families clean and decorate their homes, buy new clothes, and eat special meals together. On the first day, Jamara (sacred barley grass) is planted. It grows during the festival and is later worn behind the ear with a tika. Jamara stands for fertility, wealth, and the hope for plenty in the coming year.

3. Protection and spiritual strength

People pray to Goddess Durga and offer her gifts to seek strength, health, and happiness. In certain cultures, individuals kill animals to provide the goddess with life and demonstrate the fact that they are disposing of the hindrances—some present symbolic gifts such as flowers, fruits, or coconuts. The end is ever the same, whatever the rite it is to invoke the blessings of God, peace.

In a word, Dashain is significant not only due to the rituals, but the values that it preaches: blessings to prosper, hope to be rich, and power to overcome the world's adversities.

Symbolism of Kites and Swings During Dashain

(Photo From Kiwanis ASPAC)

Among the most fun things in Dashain are kite flying (changa) and bamboo swings (ping), which have both pleasure-seeking and cultural values that go beyond their purposes as entertainment.

Unique Dashain Celebrations in Nepal

Khokana Jatra

In the old Newar town of Khokana, also known as the old Kathmandu Valley, the Dashain festival is observed with the colorful Sikali Jatra, devoted to the goddess Rudrayani or Ajima. It begins as a nine-day festival, which starts with secret tantric rituals performed by eight boys in the Sikali Temple of Ghatasthapana. This differs from other locations where Dashain rituals are practiced. The festival features a procession of wooden chariots, masked dancers representing gods, and communal feasts. These festivals display the cultural heritage and the community unity of the town.

The Sikali Jatra is not a mere ceremony; it is a celebration of identity and unity. The offerings, music, and dances are also practiced by families in the area, which keeps the festival alive as a tradition. The ending of the festival with the restoration of the goddess to her temple reinforces the spiritual veneration as well as collective joy of the town, which is why the Dashain celebrations in Khokana are indeed unique.

Taleju Bhawani and the Festival of Dashain

Another specialty about the holiday is that the Taleju Bhawani Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square is open every year during the Dashain.  The temple is normally kept off to the society throughout the year since it is dedicated to Goddess Taleju, who was the protective deity of Malla kings.  However, during the ninth day of Maha Navami, the temple doors are opened, and devotees have a rare opportunity to enter the temple and make their offerings.

To a lot of individuals, a visit to the Taleju Temple during Dashain is a lifetime religious experience.  People believe that the goddess takes care of the valley, and they believe that this is the season to seek her favors that will protect them and make them wealthy and successful.  The short entrance to the temple not only makes Dashain more sacred but also demonstrates that Dashain is closely connected to the royal, cultural, and religious history of Nepal.

Gaa Pyakha

Dashain is celebrated in the historic city of Patan through the Gaa Pyakaa (traditional dance), a ritual dance performed in honor of the Ashta Matika, the eight goddesses of the mother. The dance is performed by representatives of the Shakya and Bajracharya communities and features intricate movements, mantras (spiritual songs), singing, and rich accessories and masks depicting various gods. The performance begins on Ghadhasthapana and continues through this festival, combining devotion, art, and cultural pride.

Gaa Pyakaa is not merely a dance; it is a prayer and a feast of the community. Detained in courtyards and temples throughout Patan, it attracts both locals and visitors, creating a sense of togetherness and preserving the traditions of the centuries-old Newar community. The festival highlights the convergence of art, religion, and community involvement; therefore, Dashain remains a rich cultural event that cannot be viewed in isolation from its rituals.

The Sacred Jamara of Gorkha

(Photo From Onlinekhabar English)

Planting and giving Jamara, which is barley grass, a symbol of wealth, blessings, and new beginnings, is one of the most significant aspects of Dashain.  Families across the entire Nepal plant Jamara on Ghadhastapana. However, the holy Jamara is that of Gorkha, the old seat of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal.

Royal priests and officials conduct a ceremony by procession every year to transfer the Jamara and tika prepared in the Durbar of Gorkha to Kathmandu in the Hanuman Dhoka Palace.  The practice attributes the spiritual force of the goddess Durga, who is venerated in Gorkha, to the cultural and historical hub of the nation.  The return of Jamara of Gorkha is a good omen to the royal family and the Nepalese altogether. This enforces how the festival is related to history, unity, and national identity.

Modern Dashain Interpretation

Dashain, in the modern world, is viewed more as a holiday to be spent together, a celebration of family, culture, and being.  People value receiving tika and jamara not only as a spiritual blessing but also as a way to strengthen family ties across generations.  Nepalis living abroad celebrate Dashain in their own ways, like video calls with family, making sel roti in kitchens far away, or getting together with other Nepalis living abroad. They make their home alive regardless of their location.  Dashain is a season of rejuvenation and happiness in life. Shopping centers are crowded, stores are making offers, and children are talking about swings, kites, and extended vacations.

The festival has also taken a turn to the new directions corresponding to the new values and discourses.  Many families now choose to make symbolic gifts like coconuts, fruits, or flowers instead of killing animals, which shows how people's views have changed while still honoring the goddess.  Dashain has become a cultural celebration that all Nepalis can enjoy, regardless of their religion.  It has become a symbol of identity and unity that everyone shares. It is an evolving tradition that links the past to the present and continues to bring people together in love, blessings, and joy.

Conclusion

Dashain is far from only an annual religious holiday; it is a living celebration of what it means to be Nepali, their culture, and their community. The stories behind the festival are of courage, love, and joy, not just the epic tale of the triumph of goddess Durga over Mahishasura, but also the merry laughs of children in bamboo swings.  The rituals, such as obtaining tika and jamara, praying, and preparing festal meals, are spiritual. Flying kites, swings, and family meetings are some of the cultural activities that bring warmth, nostalgia, and collective happiness. Dashain is still evolving in modern times, incorporating new ideas while preserving old ones.  The festival brings together Nepalis of all ages, religions, and backgrounds, whether they are in a village or around the world.  It is a time for families to reunite, communities to come together, and hearts to be filled with blessings and gratitude.

In the end, Dashain lives on in the hearts of all Nepalis because it is a celebration of unity, strength, and happiness. It reminds everyone that the spirit of home, family, and culture is always strong, no matter where they are.