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Day 1: Ghatasthapana
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Ghatasthapana, the inaugural ceremony of Dashain, signifies the commencement of this festive season. In literal terms, it involves placing a kalasha or pot, symbolizing the goddess Durga. This significant event occurs on the festival’s first day.
During Ghaṭasthāpanā, a Kalash is filled with sacred water and then sown with barley seeds. Subsequently, the Kalash is positioned at the center of a rectangular sand block. The remaining sand bed is also adorned with grains. A priest initiates the puja by invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga upon the vessel. The timing of this ritual is carefully determined by astrologers.
Throughout Navaratri, it is believed that the goddess resides within this vessel. The space where these sacred activities unfold is referred to as the Dashain Ghar, traditionally off-limits to outsiders. A family member performs daily worship of the Kalash, both in the morning and evening. To facilitate the growth of the barley seeds, the Kalash is shielded from direct sunlight and holy water is offered daily. By the tenth day of the festival, the seeds sprout into five or six inches of vibrant yellow grass known as Kamara. These rituals persist until the seventh day of Dashain.
Day 7: Phulpati
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Phulpati, a significant celebration on the seventh day of Dashain, derives its name from the Nepali words “phūl” meaning flower, and “pātī” meaning leaf.
In historical times, during the Shah dynasty’s rule, a sacred procession consisting of flowers and jamara was transported from the Gorkha palace to Kathmandu Durbar Square on this auspicious day.
Traditionally, Phulpati involves the journey of the royal Kalash, banana stalks, jamara, and sugar cane, all adorned with red cloth, from Gorkha to Kathmandu. This remarkable procession covers a distance of approximately 169 kilometers, taking three days to complete. The event draws hundreds of government officials, elegantly attired, to the Tundikhel grounds, where they witness the spectacle.
In the past, the king used to observe the ceremony in Tundikhel while the Phulpati parade made its way to the Hanuman Dhoka royal palace. The festivities culminated with a grand display by the Nepalese Army, accompanied by celebratory gunfire that lasted for ten to fifteen minutes, honoring Phulpati. Subsequently, the Phulpati would be transported to the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, where a parade would take place.
However, since the overthrow of the royal family in 2008, this two-century-old tradition has evolved. Now, the holy Phulpati offering is directed to the residence of the president, who has assumed the social and religious roles that were once held by the king.
In various cities and towns across Nepal and regions of India with a substantial Nepali population, Phulpati processions are a common sight. These processions involve adorning flowers, fruits, and sacred symbols, all enclosed in red cloth and covered with an auspicious red shawl. They are then carried on decorated wooden logs through the town, with townspeople offering flowers and fruits as the procession passes by their homes. Traditional Naumati instruments often accompany this vibrant display of cultural devotion and celebration.
Day 8: Maha Asthami
The eighth day of Dashain is known as Maha Asthami. On this day, the most formidable manifestation of Goddess Durga, the fierce Kali, is appeased through the sacrificial offering of buffaloes, goats, hens, and ducks at temples across the nation. This act symbolizes fertility and is a tribute to the goddess.
Appropriately, this night is called Kal Ratri (Black Night) in honor of the form of Durga worshipped on this occasion. Additionally, it is customary to sacrifice buffaloes in the courtyards of all land revenue offices throughout the country on this day.
At midnight, marking the commencement of Dashain, a total of 54 buffaloes and 54 goats are sacrificed as part of the rituals. Following the offering of blood, the meat is taken home and cooked as “prasad,” signifying food blessed by divinity. This sacred food is then presented on small leaf plates to household deities and shared among family members, considered an auspicious act.
Simultaneously, while the puja (worship) takes place, households of common people host grand feasts. Among the Newar people, a special event called “Khadga Puja” is observed, during which they perform a puja for their weapons. It’s a time for receiving blessings and applying tika (a sacred mark) from elders as well.
Day 9: Maha Navami
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Maha Navami, the ninth day of Dashain, is referred to as “the great ninth day” and marks the culmination of Navaratri. This day witnesses the zenith of ceremonies and rituals. In a significant official event, the Nepal Armed Forces conduct ritual sacrifices within the Kot courtyard of one of the Hanuman Dhoka royal palaces. During this ceremony, the state offers sacrifices of buffaloes, accompanied by a feu de joie and a 21-gun salute fired in the presence of the Army Staff. It is worth noting that Maha Navami is sometimes known as “demon-hunting day” because it is believed that members of the defeated demon army attempt to evade capture by taking refuge in the bodies of animals and fowls.
On Maha Navami, devotees pay homage to Durga, the mother goddess Devi, as it is believed that all things instrumental in our livelihood should be appeased. Artisans, craftsmen, traders, and mechanics engage in worship and offer animal and fowl blood to their tools, equipment, and vehicles. Additionally, there is a tradition of worshiping vehicles on this day, as it is believed to safeguard against accidents throughout the year. From bicycles and cars to trucks, all types of vehicles are venerated on Maha Navami.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of this day is the opening of the Taleju Temple gates to the general public. Devotees throng to the temple throughout the day to pay their respects to the goddess, making it a spiritually charged and bustling occasion.
Day 10: Bijaya Dashami
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Bijayadashami, the tenth day of Dashain, holds special significance. It involves the preparation of a mixture known as “tika,” made from rice, yogurt, and vermilion. The timing of Dashain tika varies each year. On this day, elders apply this tika, along with Tamarara that was initially sown during Ghatasthapana, onto the foreheads of younger relatives, bestowing blessings for their future prosperity. The red color symbolizes the bonds that tie families and communities together.
During this period, elders also offer “Dakshina,” a small monetary gift, along with their blessings when younger relatives visit. This tradition continues for five days, concluding with the full moon. Throughout this time, families and relatives exchange gifts and warm greetings. The practice of receiving tika from all elder relatives, even those more distantly related, plays a vital role in strengthening community bonds. This tradition reflects the enthusiasm and vigor with which Dashain is celebrated, emphasizing its role in fostering unity and connections within the community.
Day 11: Papakunsha Ekadash
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Ekadashi is the eleventh day in the Hindu lunar calendar, considered highly auspicious. People traditionally observe fasting on this day. Papakunsha Ekadashi, which falls on the day following Bijaya Dashami, is notable.
On Papakunsha Ekadashi, it is customary to wake up early, cleanse oneself, and wear fresh clothing before embarking on a day of fasting, which lasts until the evening. People often gather to hear Papakunsha Ekadashi stories and visit religious sites as part of their observance.
In some regions of Nepal, receiving tika (a sacred mark) is reserved for Bijaya Dashami, while in other areas, people start visiting their extended family and relatives on Papakunsha Ekadashi, continuing these visits until Kojagrat Purnima. While Ekadashi typically involves consuming only a Sattvic diet, some individuals continue their Dashain feasts on this day, earning it the nickname “Gidde Ekadashi” or “Vulture-like Ekadashi.”
Additionally, it is believed that donating items like gold, sesame, barley, grains, soil, umbrellas, and shoes on this day can lead to the attainment of heaven after one’s passing.
Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima
The festival’s concluding day, occurring on the full moon is known as Kojagrat Purnima or Sharad Purnima. The term “Kojagrat” translates to ‘who is awake.’ On this day, Goddess Laxmi, believed to be the deity of wealth, is venerated. It is thought that Goddess Laxmi descends to Earth and bestows wealth and prosperity upon those who stay awake throughout the night.
To celebrate this occasion, people engage in various activities such as playing cards and more, enjoying the festive night.
During this time, animal sacrifices were often practiced, harking back to the legendary battles between “divine” and “demonic” forces. Supporters of animal sacrifice view it as symbolically representing the sacrifice of our animalistic traits. However, opponents argue that such sacrificial acts primarily serve as a pretext for satisfying the appetite for meat and food, rather than having deeper symbolic significance.
Games, Carnivals, and More
As Dashain draws near, the tradition of kite flying gains popularity. It holds great significance in the celebration, as it is believed to be a way of communicating with the gods, urging them to halt the rains. People of all ages take to their rooftops to fly kites during the festival. The skies are adorned with colorful kites, and the air is filled with shouts of “changā chet” when someone successfully cuts another person’s kite string.
Playing cards is another cherished Dashain activity. While children are busy flying kites, older family members gather to engage in card games, combining both monetary stakes and enjoyment.
Bamboo swings, known as ‘ping’ in Nepali, are an integral part of the celebration. These swings capture the essence of local culture, tradition, community spirit, and fun. Constructed by community members using traditional methods that involve tough grass ropes, bamboo sticks, and wood, these swings are typically erected a week before Ghatasthapana and remain in place until after the Tihar festival following Dashain. Some swings reach heights exceeding twenty feet, and people of all ages revel in the joy of swinging. These swings hold special appeal, especially for children.
The festival also sees the organization of fairs and celebrations. In villages, small fairs featuring Ferris wheels for children and various adult entertainment are common. In urban areas, commercial fairs and festivities are typically organized to mark the occasion.
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