Nepal’s biggest and most anticipated festival, Dashain, will begin this year on 22 September 2025 with the observance of Ghatasthapana. On this day, devotees install the sacred Kalash and sow Jamara (barley seeds), which are nurtured over the following days and later used as a symbol of blessings during the festival’s main rituals.
The celebrations stretch over fifteen days, filled with rituals, family gatherings, and cultural traditions. The festival reaches its climax on Vijaya Dashami, which falls on 2 October 2025, when elders place Tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) and Jamara on the foreheads of younger family members, offering blessings of prosperity, health, and long life. Dashain concludes with Kojagrat Purnima, the full moon day.
Dashain holds profound significance for Hindu Nepalese, both religiously and socially. It commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Temples dedicated to Goddess Durga are filled with worshippers, and sacred rituals are performed to honor her power and protection. Beyond its spiritual meaning, Dashain is a time of togetherness. Families come together, often traveling long distances to reunite in their ancestral homes. Houses are cleaned and decorated, new clothes are purchased, and feasts are prepared, making the festival a celebration of both devotion and renewal.
For Hindu Nepalese, Dashain is not just a holiday—it is a reaffirmation of cultural identity, family bonds, and the values of respect and blessing across generations. It is a festival that blends religious faith with social joy, making it the most cherished time of the year.
PC: Wikimedia Commons, PxHere, Flickr
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