Dashain Festival 2024 in Nepal

Dashain is one of the most significant festivals in Nepal, celebrated over two weeks with various rituals and events. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, with many families offering male goats, ducks, chickens, eggs, and coconuts to the goddess Durga as part of the tradition. This major event sees Nepalese people beginning preparations a week in advance. However, the festival has faced criticism from animal protection groups, who view certain practices as inhumane.

Festival Highlights

Dashain is a time of family reunions, festive meals, and joyous celebrations. People travel from far and wide to be with their loved ones, exchanging gifts and participating in traditional activities. Kite flying, a favorite pastime during Dashain, symbolizes the victory of good over evil and brings communities together in a spirit of joy and unity. Large swings are set up for children to enjoy, and starting from the tenth day, elders bless family members by placing Tika—a mixture of rice, red vermillion, and yogurt—on their foreheads.

However, the festival also includes the sacrifice of thousands of domestic animals, a practice believed to entertain the gods. As a result, the fields around temples often become sites of ritual animal sacrifices, with buffaloes, ducks, and other animals offered to the deities.

Dates

Dashain, based on the lunar calendar, typically occurs in September or October. The festival starts on the day of Ghatasthapana and concludes on Kojagrat Purnima, covering 15 days of celebrations. This year, Dashain will be observed from October 3 to October 16.

Significance

Dashain is a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, symbolizing divine power and the destruction of evil. It marks the victory of good over evil and truth over falsehood. Each day of Dashain carries religious importance, with rituals honoring different forms of Goddess Durga, including Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati.

The festival is also celebrated by Nepal's Buddhist communities, commemorating Emperor Ashoka's adoption of Buddhism and Ahimsa. If you're in Kathmandu or other cities during Dashain, joining the locals in the festivities is a must.

Keep in mind, however, that the service industry largely shuts down during Dashain, so booking your stay and tickets in advance is essential. Without prior arrangements, attending the festival could be nearly impossible.