Dashain Festival and Its Significance

Dashain is Nepal's most adored and honored festival, bringing together families, friends, and communities locally and beyond. This celebration, also called Vijaya Dashami, is full of customs, rituals, and festive get-togethers and represents the victory of good over evil. It’s more than a religious celebration—Dashain is a national holiday season, a cultural event, and a reason to travel home.

The word "Dashain" comes from "Dash," which means ten. But here's the beautiful part—it's not just about counting days. It's about celebrating the most essential message humans have ever shared: that light will always find a way to win, no matter how dark things get.

The Heart of the Story: Good Always Wins

Religiously, Dashain celebrates two incredible victories that happened thousands of years ago but still inspire people today. Goddess Durga's victory over the monster Mahishasura demonstrates the force of divine feminine energy. Additionally, it honors the triumph of good over evil by commemorating Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. Hindu epics like the Devi Mahatmya and the Ramayana are the source of these tales.

During these 15 days, an entire country stops what it's doing to celebrate together. Government offices close, businesses shut down, and even the busiest, most stressed-out people take time off to reconnect with what matters.

Dashain unites families separated by work, distance, or life's complications. Old arguments get forgotten. New relationships receive blessings. From cities to mountain villages, streets fill with kites, swings, feasts, and blessings. It’s a time of mass travel as people return home, making it Nepal’s largest festival and social event of the year.

The whole country takes this collective deep breath and remembers that at the end of the day, we're all just people who want to love and be loved.

Origin of Dashain

The origins of Dashain go way, way back—we're talking thousands of years of tradition that's been lovingly passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, generation after generation.

Legend says that they did something amazing when the buffalo demon Mahisasura became so incredibly powerful that even the gods were scared. Instead of giving up, they combined all their divine powers to create the ultimate warrior goddess—Durga, the fiercest, most beautiful, and powerful woman you can imagine, armed with the strength of every god and goddess combined.

For nine long days and nights, Durga fought this seemingly unbeatable demon. Each day brought new challenges, new weapons, new divine powers. But she never gave up. And on that tenth day—the day we now call Vijaya Dashami—she finally emerged victorious, restoring peace and hope to the entire world.

Dashain also honors Lord Rama's incredible victory over Ravana. When Sita was kidnapped and taken far from home, Rama didn't just sit around feeling sorry for himself. He embarked on this epic journey, gathered allies (including the amazing monkey god Hanuman), and fought until he could bring his beloved home safely.

What's beautiful is that both these victories happened on the same day—the tenth day—which is why this particular day feels so incredibly powerful and special. 

When Is Dashain Celebrated and How Long Does It Last?

In 2025, Dashain starts on September 22 and concludes on October 6, with key days such as Ghatasthapana (the first day) when sacred grass called Jamara is sown, and Vijaya Dashami (the tenth day), when elders place tika on younger relatives' foreheads as blessings

Dashain in the Lunar Calendar (Ashwin/Kartik Months)

Dashain doesn't follow our regular calendar—it dances to the moon's rhythm, making it feel even more magical and connected to nature's cycles. The festival typically happens between late September and early November, during what the Nepali calendar (Bikram Sambat) calls the months of Ashwin and Kartik.

The dates change yearly based on the moon's phases, meaning each Dashain celebration is unique. There's something extraordinary about a festival that flows with natural rhythms rather than fighting against them.

Duration: 15-Day Festival Overview

Because of the name, many people believe Dashain lasts ten days, but the festival takes over fifteen amazing days. It's similar to the longest, most significant party in the world, where the happiness grows gradually and exquisitely.

The first nine days are called Navaratra, and they're like the opening acts of a fantastic concert—building excitement and preparing everyone for the main event. Then comes the spectacular climax from days 10-15, when the real celebrations explode into life.

It gives everyone time to soak in the experience. It starts quietly with personal rituals and family preparations, builds to the magnificent peak of Vijaya Dashami, and then continues with visits, feasts, and community celebrations. Dashain spans 15 days, each with its significance. While some days are celebrated quietly at home, others—like Ghatasthapana, Fulpati, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, Vijaya Dashami, and Kojagrat Purnima—involve national observances and rituals.

Dashain Dates in Nepal 2025

If you're thinking about visiting Nepal then Dashain 2025 is from September 22- October1, 2025.

What Are the 15 Days of Dashain and Their Rituals?

The 15 days of Dashain are celebrated with meaningful rituals that highlight the festival’s spiritual and cultural significance. Each day brings unique traditions, from the sowing of sacred seeds to grand processions, intense worship, and joyful family gatherings. 

Day 1 – Ghatasthapana: Planting Seeds of Hope

Dashain begins in the most beautiful, quiet way imaginable. In homes across Nepal, families gather to plant sacred barley and maize seeds called "Jamara" in special dark rooms. These aren't just any seeds—they're watered with holy water and tended with daily prayers and so much love.

As these seeds sprout and grow throughout the festival, they represent everything good we want in life—new beginnings, prosperity, growth, and the amazing power of life to flourish even in darkness.

The tender green shoots that emerge will later be placed behind family members' ears during the tika ceremony, carrying with them all the blessings, hopes, and dreams that were planted on this first, sacred day.

Day 7 – Fulpati: The Procession of Joy

Fulpati—which literally means "flowers and leaves"—brings one of the most colorful, joyful processions you'll ever see. Sacred items including banana stalks, jamara, and flowers make their traditional journey from Gorkha to Kathmandu's historic Hanuman Dhoka Palace.

Hundreds of people in traditional dress, carrying these sacred offerings while traditional music fills the streets. The whole city seems to be getting ready for the greatest party in the world. 

Day 8 – Maha Ashtami: Honoring the Divine Feminine

On this day, thousands of devotees fill the temples, bringing flowers, fruits, and prayers as Goddess Durga is worshiped in her most potent form.

While traditional ceremonies include animal sacrifices at certain temples, many families and communities now focus on the spiritual heart of the day—offering flowers, prayers, and gratitude. It honors the divine power that protects and nurtures all life.

Day 9 – Maha Navami: Blessing Everything That Serves Us

People bless and pay respect to their cars, tools, and even kitchenware on Maha Navami. Beautiful flower garlands cover cars, marigolds adorn bicycles, and yes, even kitchen knives are treated ceremoniously.

It's a reminder that, when we approach them with the proper attitude, even the most commonplace items can become sacred. It is deserving of respect and devotion.

Day 10 – Vijaya Dashami: The Day That Changes Everything

On Vijaya Dashami, the entire nation unites in a massive, affectionate family celebration. The happiness is so contagious that you'll find yourself grinning without any justification.

Families assemble early in the morning for the revered tika rite. On the foreheads of younger family members, elders tenderly apply a concoction of rice, yogurt, and vermillion, as well as those green shoots of jamara that have been growing since the beginning. This isn't merely a custom, though; it's a heartfelt moment of blessing, love, and connection.

Children receive money and gifts, families share the most incredible feasts you can imagine, and everyone dresses in their finest, most colorful clothes. The joy on their faces when they finally get together is something you will never forget. 

Day 15 – Kojagrat Purnima: Ending with Abundance

Dashain concludes in the most beautiful way possible on Kojagrat Purnima, when families honor Goddess Laxmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity) under the full moon's gentle light. Homes are cleaned until they sparkle and decorated with lights to welcome her blessings.

Families have a sweet custom of staying up all night playing games and cards because they think that Laxmi only comes to houses where people are awake and moving. It's similar to the most significant sleepover in the world, where staying up late is a means of attracting plenty into your life rather than just having fun.

These days perfectly capture Dashain's fundamental spiritual teachings and group activities. While prayers, private rites, and preparations are still conducted on the other days, these important days typically feature more significant national events and rituals. As a result, the days in between these highlights are frequently more sedate or localized, devoted to continuing worship, fostering the Jamara, and creating excitement for the festival's main activities.

Dashain and Trekking Season in Nepal

Dashain happens to fall during Nepal's absolute best trekking season! The post-monsoon period brings weather so perfect it feels like nature is celebrating right alongside everyone else.

What You'll Experience During Dashain

• Linge Ping (Swings That Touch the Sky): All over Nepal, you'll see these amazing colorful bamboo swings called Linge Ping. Adults and children alternately swing high into the air while their laughter mingles with age-old tunes that have been performed for many centuries. These swings are thought to offer luck and pure delight to everybody who uses them, so they're not only for fun.
  
  If you get a chance to try one, go for it! The locals will absolutely love teaching you their traditional swinging songs, and there's something incredibly freeing about soaring through the air while surrounded by mountain views and festival joy.
   
• Selroti (Heaven in Bread Form): Oh my goodness, the smell of Selroti during Dashain is absolutely incredible. This traditional ring-shaped rice bread is sweet, crispy, and made completely by hand before being deep-fried to golden perfection. Every family makes huge batches to share with neighbors, friends, and anyone lucky to visit.
  
  If someone offers you fresh, warm Selroti, consider yourself truly honored. It's not just food—it's a gift of love and hospitality that represents everything beautiful about Nepali culture.
   
• Weather That Feels Like a Gift: October in Nepal is so gorgeous it feels almost unreal. Crystal-clear blue skies stretch endlessly, temperatures are perfectly comfortable for celebrating and trekking, and the air is so clean and fresh it feels like breathing pure energy.
  
  The Himalayas stand out with incredible clarity during this time, making it perfect for mountain viewing and photography. It's like the weather itself decided to join the celebration!
   
• Kites Dancing in the Sky: Look up during Dashain and prepare to be amazed—the sky is filled with hundreds of colorful kites dancing in the wind like confetti against the blue sky. Kite flying is a beloved Dashain tradition, with friendly competitions, battles, and pure joy happening on rooftops across the entire country.
  
  The sight of all these kites against the backdrop of clear skies and distant snow-capped mountains is absolutely magical. It's like the whole country is playing together under the most beautiful ceiling in the world.

What Are the Traditional Foods and Activities During Dashain?

Dashain food isn't just delicious—it's love made edible. These aren't just meals; they're elaborate feasts that bring families together around tables groaning under the weight of traditional delicacies that have been prepared with incredible care and generations of family secrets.

• Mutton Curry (The Star of Every Table): The rich, aromatic mutton curry that appears at every Dashain feast is incredible. Simmered with spices that fill the house with the most amazing smells. Every family has their own special recipe, usually passed down from grandmother to mother to daughter, making each version unique and special.
   
• Kheer (Sweetness That Speaks to the Soul): This creamy, dreamy rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cardamom represents prosperity and all the sweetness life has to offer. The gentle, comforting sweetness perfectly balances the rich, savory dishes and creates this perfect harmony of flavors that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
   
• Achar (Little Explosions of Flavor):These are the pickles that transform every bite. From spicy tomato and sesame combinations to tangy radish and cucumber varieties, each type of achar adds its own personality to the meal, creating layers of taste that keep surprising you.

Dashain reflects the festival's celebration of prosperity and the triumph of good over everything difficult in life. Families who might eat simply throughout the year save up to create these incredible feasts, making the food itself part of the celebration.

Music That Makes Hearts Sing

You'll hear children singing festival songs while playing on swings, families harmonizing during tika ceremonies, and entire communities gathering for performances that tell ancient stories through music and dance. In every Dashain the legendary "Malshree Dhun" is played in every houses. It;s soothing music gives the actual vibe of Dashain.

People dance and tell the stories of Durga's victory and Rama's triumph, with colorful costumes and movements so full of energy that they capture the festival's incredible spirit.

Come Visit Nepal During Dashain Festival

Visiting Nepal on Dashain, it's like being invited into Nepali culture's very heart and soul. You're not watching from the sidelines; you're becoming part of a celebration that defines what it means to be human in the most beautiful way possible.

Best Cultural Experiences for Tourists

• Temple Adventures: During Dashain, Nepal's temples transform into these incredible centers of energy and devotion. Places like Pashupatinath and Dakshinkali buzz with thousands of devotees, ceremonies that'll give you goosebumps, and an atmosphere so electric with faith and joy that you can literally feel it in the air.
• Family Magic: Many Nepali families open their homes and hearts to visitors during Dashain, inviting you to join their most sacred celebrations. Participating in tika ceremonies, sharing those incredible festival meals, and experiencing the legendary warmth of Nepali hospitality create memories that'll stay with you for the rest of your life.
• Market Adventures: Dashain markets are like stepping into the most colorful, fragrant, joyful sensory experience imaginable. Brilliant decorations, traditional foods you've never seen, gorgeous festival clothing, and ceremonial items create shopping experiences that are adventures in themselves.

Travel Tips: Timing, Etiquette, Do’s and Don’ts

Perfect Timing: Arrive a few days before the main celebrations start so you can feel the excitement building, and stay through Vijaya Dashami for the whole, incredible experience. Watching the energy build day by day makes the final celebration even more meaningful.

Being Respectful and Welcoming:

• Do accept tika and jamara graciously if someone offers them, it's a genuine blessing and an absolute honor
• Do dress modestly when visiting temples and joining ceremonies, it shows respect for something sacred
• Do remove your shoes before entering homes and religious spaces, it's basic courtesy that people appreciate
• Don't interrupt prayer ceremonies or religious rituals, these are sacred moments
• Don't use your left hand for receiving gifts or food, the right hand is considered more respectful
• Don't point your feet toward religious objects or people, it's considered disrespectful

Remember that Dashain is important to Nepalese. Treat everything with sincere inquiry, respect for customs you may not fully comprehend, and gratitude for being a part of something unique.

Suggested Places to Visit for Dashain Celebrations

• Kathmandu Valley: The most varied Dashain experiences may be found in the capital, ranging from heartfelt family gatherings to magnificent religious rites that will astound you.The historic Durbar Squares come alive with traditional performances and cultural displays that feel like stepping back in time.
• Pokhara: This beautiful lakeside city offers a more relaxed festival atmosphere while keeping all the traditional elements that make Dashain special. The city combinesauthentic Dashain celebrations with some of Earth's most stunning mountain views.
• Gorkha: It is the  historical birthplace, where the famous Fulpati procession begins its journey. The connection to Nepal's royal history adds extra layers of meaning to every celebration here.
• Traditional Villages: You can also visit traditional villages where ancient customs are preserved in their purest, most beautiful form. Homestays in locations like Bandipur or Ghandruk provide such authentic and profound cultural immersion that it will alter your perspective on the world.

Any Thoughts

Dashain is the gateway to the spirit of Nepal. It provides a profound experience that transforms your perception of happiness, family, and the celebration of life. Memories made during this amazing festival are enduring because of its warmth, joy, and spiritual depth. 

Ready to Celebrate Dashain 2025 with Nepal Gateway Trekking?

Join our immersive Dashain Tours 2025—meet real Nepali families, witness ancient rituals, and trek through breathtaking autumn trails. Book now and experience Nepal like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Dashain only celebrated by Hindus in Nepal?

No, Dashain is not only celebrated by Hindus. Buddhists and others also celebrate it as a national festival.

What is the difference between Dashain and Tihar?

Dashain is about Durga and family reunions whereas Tihar is held shortly after, honors animals, Goddess Laxmi, and the bond between brothers and sisters.

Why is Dashain such a big deal for Nepalese living abroad?

It’s the main time to return home and reconnect with culture, family, and faith.

Can tourists participate in Dashain celebrations respectfully?

Absolutely, tourists can participate in Dashain celebrations. You can  observe local etiquette and you’ll be warmly welcomed into homes and rituals.

Are shops and trekking routes closed during Dashain?

Some services close on key days like Vijaya Dashami. But trekking routes remain open and guides are available with prior arrangement.

What are the best places in Nepal to experience Dashain as a traveler?

Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Bandipur, and Gorkha are the best places in Nepal to experience Dashain. They offer stunning view and authentic Dashain experiences.