Nawami (Dashain) in Nepal

When did the Nawami (Dashain) in Nepal start?

The first recorded date of Nawami (Dashain) in Nepal being celebrated on October 23 was in the year 1472.

About Nawami (Dashain) in Nepal Holiday

Nepal is a small landlocked country that abounds with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a diverse set of beliefs. Considered one of the holiest festivals in the Hindu religion, Dashain is celebrated in Nepal for fifteen days. Also known as 'Nawami', Dashain is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated all over Nepal, including the capital city of Kathmandu.

Dashain is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana and is a season for both celebration and spiritual enlightenment. During these fifteen days of celebrations, families get together, honor their ancestors, enjoy festive meals, and give and receive gifts. The first nine days of the festival are known as 'Navaratri', during which a variety of rituals, activities, and celebrations take place, dedicated to the divine goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Dashain is also a great time for spiritual reflection and reflection on the blessings of all deities. Practices such as 'tika' involve sprinkling special red powder on the forehead of the elders as a symbol of respect and veneration. Special feasts and treats are prepared, and traditional Nepali dances and music are enjoyed by all. For those looking to immerse themselves in a truly unique cultural experience, there is no better place to be than Nepal during Dashain.

Nawami (Dashain) – An Overview of this Popular Holiday in Nepal

Nawami (Dashain) is one of the most important holidays in the Nepalese calendar, celebrated to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. This holiday is celebrated for 10 days by the Hindu population of the country, and is marked with various rituals, feasting, giving of gifts, and animal sacrifice. Read on to learn more about the history and origins, significance, traditions and celebrations, geographical spread, and modern day observances associated with Nawami (Dashain) in Nepal.

History and Origin

Nawami (Dashain) can trace its origins back to the sacred Hindu texts known as Vedas, which include references to Dashain being celebrated as a festival of thanksgiving and joy. It is believed to have been celebrated for centuries as a way of honouring the Goddess Durga for her victory over the demon Mahishasur. It is also a time to celebrate getting back together with friends and family, of expressing thanks for the bountiful harvest.

In Hindu mythology, the festival celebrates the victory of Lord Ram over the 10-headed demon king Ravana. The 10th day of the festival, known as Vijaya Dashami, symbolizes Ram’s victory. Alongside these mythological reference points, the festival has come to be seen as a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, goodness over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is seen as a time of cleansing and renewal, in which one’s body, mind, and home are purified and offered to the gods.

Significance and Meaning

Nawami (Dashain) is known as ‘Nawami’, meaning ‘new beginning’, and is celebrated to mark the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of a new year. This holiday is important as it brings together family and loved ones who have been separated due to work, studies, and other commitments – uniting them in joyous celebration.

It is the biggest festival of the year and is seen as an opportunity to bring the community together in worship and celebration. This is also a time of spiritual regeneration and new beginnings, when prayers are offered for peace, prosperity, good luck, and good health for family and friends.

Traditions and Celebrations

The holiday of Nawami (Dashain) always falls within the month of October and is typically celebrated over 10 days, with the tenth day being the culmination of the festival. On each can of these days, certain rituals must be performed in order to receive divine blessings and prepare for the New Year. On the first day of the festival, known as Ghatasthapana, a clay pot is filled with holy water and barley seeds which is left in a place of worship throughout the festive period.

Other traditional activities include taking a ritual bath, visiting temples and observing Kali Puja, worshiping family gods, and exchanging tokens of love and respect in the form of tika and jamara. People also exchange gifts and lavish feasts are prepared to commemorate the joy and significance of Nawami (Dashain).

Geographical Spread

Nawami (Dashain) is celebrated by Hindu communities all across Nepal, although it is most prominently celebrated amongst the Newars, Tamangs, and Magars who still adhere to the traditional customs and rituals. However, regional variations can be looked at – the way festivals are celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley is very different from the celebrations in other parts of the country such as Mustang and Dolpa in Mustang or Bhojpur in East Nepal.

In the capital city of Kathmandu, Nawami (Dashain) is celebrated with much fanfare and pomp. The Royal Palace at Hanuman Dhoka, which was once the seat of the Nepalese monarchy, holds special festivities throughout the festival. Courtyards and public areas of the Palace are decorated with garlands and lit with oil lamps, and traditional cultural performances are held on the palace grounds.

Modern Day Observations

In contemporary times, the traditional customs and rituals associated with Nawami (Dashain) are still upheld. However, new innovations and modern twists to the festivities can be observed, increasing its relevance to the younger generations. These new observances, ranging from decorated pandals (temporary shelters made of bamboos) to creative decorations in historic monuments, has resulted in the festival becoming more colourful and vibrant over the years.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• The first day of Dashain marks the beginning of the lunar month of Ashvin, according to the Hindu calendar.
• In Nepal, all government offices as well as many private businesses remain closed throughout the duration of the festival.
• The word Dashain comes from two Sanskrit words, ‘das’, meaning ten, and ‘hina’, meaning six.
• In the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, a great fire ceremony called “Maha Tika” is held on the tenth day of the festival.
• Tikas are made from using a combination of red vermilion paste, sandalwood paste, rice flour, yogurt, oil and flowers.
• The jamara plant is believed to be the symbol of eternal life, as it continues to grow even after it is cut.
• The “Kukur Tihar” festival takes place on the tenth day of Dashain. On this day, devotedly worshipped Nepalese dogs are offered garlands made of flowers and red tikas.
• The fearsome great ocean-serpent “Kaliya”, is celebrated during Dashain. According to Hindu mythology, “Kaliya” was defeated by Lord Krishna, who jumped into Yamuna river to dance on the cobras hood.
• During the Dashain festival, it is customary for married women to receive beautiful sarees as gifts – which are usually red or black in colour. Unmarried girls receive money in the form of gifts.

Holiday Wishes

• May the blessings of this Nawami (Dashain) bring peace and joy to you and your loved ones.
• May this Nawami (Dashain) bring abundant joy and love to your life.
• As you celebrate Nawami (Dashain) and a new year, may your home be filled with luck, devotion, and joy.
• Wishing you a blessed Nawami (Dashain) filled with prosperity, love, and joy.
• May the blessings of Nawami (Dashain) be showered upon you and your family.

Holiday Messages

• Greetings and best wishes on the occasion of Nawami (Dashain).
• Wishing you and your family a happy and prosperous Nawami (Dashain).
• May Lord Durga fill your life with positivity, hope, and special memories.
• Wishing you all the best for the new year ahead, filled with peace, joy, and prosperity.
• Eid Mubarak! May the divine blessings of the holy God bless you with eternal joy.

Holiday Quotes

• “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” – John F. Kennedy
• “The light of the Diwali lamps signify our gratitude to Him for destroying evil and ignorance.” – Unknown
• “Let’s make our Diwali happy and safe for our environment.” – Unknown
• “Life is a festival only to the wise.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “The true essence of Dashain lies in its spirit of silver lining in even the darkest of clouds.” – Unknown

Other Popular Holiday Info

The 10th day of the festival, known as Vijaya Dashami, is the most important and is widely celebrated in a spectacular fashion. On this day, people take a ritual bath, offer their prayers, and then meet with the family to exchange greetings and tikas. Special puja ceremonies, Kendre puja and the Ghatasthapana puja, are performed in the temples and at homes throughout the day, followed by lavish feasts.

Apart from the religious significance of the festival, Nawami (Dashain) has also been used as an opportunity to showcase Nepalese culture and musical talent. Traditional uniform marches, decorated pandals, colourful flags, and performances from various artists including reggae, folk, and jazz musicians, kathaks (dancers), magars (musicians), and bandhas (bands) will often be seen during this time.

Overall, Nawami (Dashain) is a grand and festive holiday, celebrated in Nepal with great pomp and splendour. It is a hour of worship, feasting, and celebration, of sharing the joys of the season and uniting with loved ones. On this day, may the divine blessings of the gods and goddesses bring childhood, luck, and happiness to you and your family.

Happy Nawami (Dashain)!