How Many Days Do We Celebrate Dashain?

Dashain, also known as Vijayadashami, is the most significant and widely celebrated Hindu festival in Nepal. It holds immense cultural, religious, and social importance, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

This grand celebration stretches over fifteen days, making it one of the longest and most cherished festivals in the country. Every Nepali, irrespective of their location or social status, comes together to celebrate Dashain with devotion, joy, and enthusiasm.

While the festival technically lasts for 15 days, not all days carry equal significance. Some days are dedicated to particular rituals and family gatherings, while others are filled with cultural activities, prayers, and festivities.

Understanding the traditions, importance, and celebrations associated with each day of Dashain helps us appreciate the richness of Nepali culture and its deep-rooted religious practices.

In this blog post, we will explore the details of Dashain’s 15-day celebration, diving into the meaning and activities of each day. From the beginning with Ghatasthapana to the final day of Kojagrat Purnima, we will unravel the rituals and beliefs that make Dashain such a special event for Hindus in Nepal and across the world.

How Many Days Do We Celebrate Dashain?

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Day 1: Ghatasthapana (घटस्थापना)

The first day of Dashain is known as Ghatasthapana, which marks the official beginning of the festival. On this day, families plant barley seeds in a sand-filled pot, known as jamara, which will be used as sacred grass in the upcoming days. The ritual is performed early in the morning with prayers to Goddess Durga for prosperity and good health.

The jamara is placed in a clean room, and only a few selected individuals (usually the head of the family or a priest) are allowed to enter this room to perform the daily puja (prayers) and water the seeds. The germination of the seeds symbolizes growth, prosperity, and the continuation of life. Ghatasthapana sets the tone for the next two weeks of festivities, with the belief that Goddess Durga will bless the household.

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Day 2 to 6: Navaratri (नवरात्री)

The next five days of Dashain are collectively known as Navaratri or the nine nights dedicated to worshiping the nine forms of Goddess Durga. During these days, families visit temples, perform daily rituals, and offer prayers to the goddess for protection and blessings. These days are particularly auspicious for offering fruits, flowers, and grains to the deity.

• Day 2: Dwitiya – On the second day, people continue with their daily prayers and visit the shrines dedicated to the various forms of Goddess Durga.
• Day 3: Tritiya – It is considered a day of devotion, and people begin preparing for the upcoming main days of Dashain.
• Day 4: Chaturthi – On this day, Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped, believed to be the creator of the universe.
• Day 5: Panchami – People offer prayers to Skandamata, one of the nine forms of Durga. It is also a day for family gatherings and preparation for the upcoming festivities.
• Day 6: Shasthi – This day is dedicated to Katyayani, the warrior goddess.

These five days are filled with prayers, rituals, and preparation for the grand celebrations. Families begin cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and preparing food items for the days ahead.

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Day 7: Fulpati (फूलपाती)

Fulpati is a significant day in Dashain and marks the transition from the quieter days of Navaratri to the more joyous and celebratory part of the festival. The term “Fulpati” literally means a collection of sacred plants and flowers, which are taken to the main royal palace in Kathmandu in a grand procession, symbolizing the invitation of the goddess to the king’s residence.

In many villages and towns, this day involves parades, musical performances, and community gatherings. The jamara that was planted on Ghatasthapana is now growing, and the rituals performed around this time symbolize the welcoming of prosperity into homes and families. Fulpati brings excitement as people prepare for the major festivities ahead.

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Day 8: Maha Ashtami (महाअष्टमी)

Maha Ashtami is one of the most important days of Dashain. It is the day dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fiercest form of Durga, who represents the destruction of evil forces. Special pujas are performed at temples across the country, and in some places, animal sacrifices are made as offerings to the goddess.

For many families, this is the day of major feasting, with special dishes prepared and shared among loved ones. People continue to worship the jamara that was planted on Ghatasthapana, and the essence of this day is the celebration of victory over evil forces, symbolized through the worship of Goddess Durga.

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Day 9: Maha Navami (महानवमी)

Maha Navami, or the ninth day of Dashain, is another sacred day of worship. This day is particularly significant for the worship of tools, vehicles, and weapons, which are considered symbols of power and strength. Many people clean and decorate their cars, motorcycles, and other tools to honor them with prayers for safety and protection.

Animal sacrifices are also performed on this day, especially in temples dedicated to Goddess Durga. The act symbolizes the conquest of evil and the offering of blood to the goddess as a token of devotion. Maha Navami marks the final day of Navaratri, and people eagerly prepare for the grand day of Vijayadashami.

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Day 10: Vijaya Dashami (विजया दशमी)

Vijaya Dashami is the most awaited and joyous day of Dashain, marking the victory of good over evil. This day celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, as well as Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana in the Ramayana.

On this day, family members receive tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) from their elders, along with jamara (the sacred grass) and blessings for health, prosperity, and success. Tika symbolizes the connection with the divine and the bond between family members. Relatives visit each other’s homes, exchanging tika and blessings throughout the day.

This day is marked by widespread joy, feasting, and celebration. New clothes, delicious meals, and togetherness make it the highlight of Dashain. The festivities of Vijaya Dashami continue for several days as families gather and celebrate.

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Day 11 to 14: Post-Vijaya Dashami Celebrations

Even though the main rituals of Dashain culminate on the tenth day, the celebration continues for the next four days, as families continue to visit relatives and exchange tika and blessings.

• Day 11: Ekadashi – The eleventh day is known as Ekadashi, when people continue to visit their relatives and exchange tika.
• Day 12: Dwadashi – The twelfth day is also dedicated to visiting family members, eating special foods, and celebrating with loved ones.
• Day 13: Trayodashi – This day continues the traditions of tika and blessings.
• Day 14: Chaturdashi – People wind down the celebrations and prepare for the final day of Dashain.

These days allow families to reconnect, strengthen bonds, and share the joy of the festival.

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Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima (कोजाग्रत पूर्णिमा)

The final day of Dashain is called Kojagrat Purnima, which falls on the full moon day. It is believed that on this night, Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, roams the earth to bless those who are awake and working hard. People often stay up late, lighting lamps and offering prayers to attract the blessings of the goddess.

This day marks the official end of the Dashain festival, with families finally concluding the celebrations, making this full moon night a time of spiritual and familial reflection.

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Conclusion

Dashain is not just a religious festival; it is a celebration of life, culture, and the bonds that hold families and communities together. Spanning 15 days, Dashain encompasses prayers, rituals, feasting, and joyful gatherings. Every day of Dashain holds a special meaning, from the sowing of jamara on Ghatasthapana to the blessings of tika on Vijaya Dashami and the conclusion with Kojagrat Purnima.

Each day reflects the essence of Nepali traditions and values, celebrating the triumph of good over evil, the renewal of familial bonds, and the hope for prosperity and happiness in the future. The vibrant colors, sounds, and feelings of Dashain continue to resonate long after the festival has ended, making it an unforgettable experience for all who celebrate.