Astami (Dashain) in Nepal

When did the Astami (Dashain) in Nepal start?

The first recorded date of Astami (Dashain) in Nepal being celebrated on October 22 was in the year 1017.

About Astami (Dashain) in Nepal Holiday

The celebration of Astami (Dashain), one of the most important festivals in Nepal, is a time of joy and blessing. It is an ancient festival full of folklore and religious significance, observed for fourteen days in mid-October.

At the heart of the celebration is the veneration of Goddess Durga during the ten days of the festival. Dashain is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm, with family and friends gathering together to offer devotion and prayers to the goddess, accompanied by music, singing and dance. During the festival, family members receive gifts of blessings and good luck, known as tika and jamara, and sacrifices are offered to Durga and to ancestors. It is also a time for new beginnings, as people clean and decorate their homes and wear new clothes.

The joy of Astami (Dashain) can be seen and felt all around, from the stunning decorations and festivities to the laughter and reunions of families and friends. The powerful atmosphere of unity and celebration of life makes this a special and memorable festival.

History and Origin

The festival of ‘Astami’ or ‘Dashain’ is said to have originated in ancient times. It is said that during the Dvapara Yuga, or the third age in the Hindu system of time or Yugas, goddess Durga defeated a demon king by the name of ‘Raktabija’. This festival marks the goddess’s victory over evil.

Historically, Astami (Dashain) was celebrated as a harvest festival to thank the gods for good harvests. To this day, the festival marks peace, prosperity, and fortune in the lives of people. It also signifies the victory of good over evil, prosperity over poverty, knowledge over ignorance and the arrival of spring.

Modern Astami (Dashain) celebrations include flying kites to ward off evil spirits and promote peace and harmony. The ritual of ‘Tika’, which involves applying a mixture of red sindhoor and rice to one’s forehead, is an important part of the festivities.

Significance and Meaning

Astami (Dashain) is a time of joy and celebration that brings families and friends together. The festival is a symbol of prosperity, happiness and prosperity for all. It is also a time to show gratitude for divine blessings.

For Hindus, Astami (Dashain) is not only seen as an important festival but also as a time to strengthen family ties. People exchange gifts and visit their extended family to celebrate the festival. It is a reminder of the importance of family values to society.

Traditions and Celebrations

The celebrations for Astami (Dashain) begin two weeks before the actual festival. People begin to prepare for the festival, by getting new clothes, buying essential items, cleaning their homes and decorating their houses.

On the day of ‘Astami’, which falls on the tenth or eleventh day of the Hindu month of Ashvin, the main ritual is the ‘Kukur Puja’. During this ritual, Hindus offer prayers to the divine mother goddess Durga and her 10 avatars. Hindus also offer worship to the gods of wealth, health, prosperity and prosperity.

Traditional music and dance performances form an integral part of the festival. People sing bhajans (devotional songs) and perform devotional dance forms such as kathak and garba. Rituals of fire walking and sword fighting are also seen in certain parts of the country, adding further excitement.

The last five days of the festival are especially important. These days are marked by family gatherings, feasts and exchanging of gifts. On the last and tenth day of the festival, ‘Vijayadashami’, grand processions take place.

Geographical Spread

Astami (Dashain) is mostly celebrated in the country of Nepal, where Hinduism accounts for about 81% of the population. This festival is also celebrated in many East-Asian countries, such as India, Bangladesh, China and Sri Lanka, where Hinduism is prevalent.

In Nepal, the surrounding hills and valleys are decorated with lights and flags, while the streets are often adorned with colorful garlands and bright flowers. The day begins with the authentic sound of the drums in the background. Houses, public buildings, temples, and other places of worship are adorned with symbolic images of gods and goddesses.

In the plains of India, the festival is celebrated in a slightly different way. Whereas in Nepal, the festival is celebrated by conducting grand processions, in India people exchange gifts and have family dinners.

Modern Day Observations

Today, Astami (Dashain) is still celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Modern society has seen some changes in the way this festival is celebrated. Cultural fusion has meant people from various cultures are participating in the celebration, which has resulted in the addition of new rituals and cultural elements.

In the modern day, many people celebrate Astami (Dashain) with the use of modern technology. People exchange gifts and greetings via digital mediums such as video calls, instant messages, Facebook posts, WhatsApp messages, etc.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

1. Astami (Dashain) has been celebrated in Nepal for centuries.
2. The festival commemorates the victory of goddess Durga over the demon king, Raktabija.
3. An important ritual of Astami (Dashain) in Nepal is the sacrifices of animals such as goats and chickens.
4. People exchange gifts and feasts on the last five days of the festival.
5. During the festival, the goddess’ images are adorned with make-up and clothing.
6. Kite-flying is an important activity during Astami (Dashain).
7. Fire-walking and sword-fighting are practiced in some parts of Nepal as part of the traditions.
8. Nature worshipping is an important component of the Astami (Dashain) celebration in Nepal.
9. It is considered auspicious to begin new ventures during Astami (Dashain).
10. The practice of ‘Tika’, whereby teachings and blessings are received, is an important part of Astami (Dashain).

Holiday Wishes

1. May this Dashain bring you joy, good health, and success.
2. Wishing you a festival of happiness and prosperity.
3. May the goddess bless you with good luck, success, and fortune.
4. May you be blessed with happiness, peace, and joy.
5. May this Dashain shower your life with joy and happiness.

Holiday Messages

1. May this Dashain be the best ever for you and all your loved ones.
2. Celebrate the victory of good over evil with friends and family.
3. May this Dashain bring you lots of luck and success.
4. Have a wonderful Dashain filled with love and joy.
5. Wishing you a Dashain filled with love, blessings, and prosperity.

Holiday Quotes

1. “Let’s mark the victory of good over evil with love, joy, and peace.”
2. “Let the spirit of Astami (Dashain) fill your heart with love and joy.”
3. “May the goddess bring you and your family peace and prosperity.”
4. “May this Dashain bring you and your loved ones joy, luck, and success.”
5. “Let us celebrate Astami (Dashain) with peace, devotion, and joy.”

Other Popular Holiday Info

In addition to the traditional celebrations of Astami (Dashain), people of Nepal have incorporated some modern twists to the festival. Youngsters are seen organizing flash mobs in the streets, wearing traditional attire and performing traditional dances. Social media is also used to connect with friends, relatives, and acquaintances.

Nowadays, some Nepali people have also started to send special gifts like ‘Poush Masa’, which are special cakes made of rice flour and jaggery, to show appreciation for their loved ones.

Greeting cards with quotations, verses, and favorable wishes are one of the most prevalent ways in which people choose to commemorate this occasion. Finally, different fun and games are organized to mark and celebrate this festive time.

Astami (Dashain) is one of the most important of all Hindu festivals, celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Nepal. It is a time of joy, celebration, and gratitude, a time to come together to strengthen family ties and celebrate the victory of good over evil. Astami (Dashain) reminds us of the importance of family values in society, and its grand processions and traditions bring together people of all faiths, castes, and backgrounds. With its unique rituals and customs, this festival has been celebrated in Nepal for centuries.