Celebrating the Joy of Dashain: Nepal's Grandest Festival – Happy Vijaya Dashami and Navaratri!

Namaste, fellow Steemians and friends around the world! 🌸 As the air fills with the sweet scent of marigold garlands and the rhythmic beats of traditional dhime drums, Nepal is alive with the spirit of its most cherished festival – Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami. Today, on this beautiful September 27th, 2025, I'm thrilled to share the magic of this celebration with you. Whether you're joining from afar or right here in the Himalayan heartland, let's dive into the festivities!

Why Dashain is Nepal's Biggest Yearly Spectacle

If there's one event that unites every Nepali soul – from bustling Kathmandu streets to remote mountain villages – it's Dashain. This isn't just a festival; it's a 15-day extravaganza of family reunions, divine blessings, and pure joy! Often called the "greatest festival of Nepal," Dashain symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, drawing from the epic tale of Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. It's a time when work takes a backseat, and the nation pauses to honor our roots, gods, and loved ones.

In Nepal, Dashain outshines all others in scale and spirit. Schools, offices, and businesses shut down for the entire duration, turning the country into one big holiday haven. Families travel across hills and valleys (sometimes enduring epic bus rides!) to gather under one roof. It's bigger than Diwali, more colorful than Holi, and deeply woven into our cultural fabric – a true testament to our enduring traditions.

This Year's Dashain: A 15-Day Holiday Bliss Starting September 22

Mark your calendars, because 2025's Dashain kicked off with a bang on September 22nd! That's when Ghatasthapana – the sacred sowing of jamara (barley sprouts) – planted the seeds (literally!) for 15 glorious days of celebration. From ritualistic prayers on Day 1 to the grand finale of Vijaya Dashami on October 2nd, every moment is packed with meaning.

Here's a quick peek at the highlights:

• Days 1-7: Home altars come alive with offerings to the Divine Mother. Temples overflow with devotees seeking blessings.
• Day 8 (Astami): Fierce animal sacrifices (a nod to ancient rituals) and the thrilling night of midnight feasts.
• Day 9 (Navami): More rituals, followed by the much-anticipated Fulpati parade in Kathmandu – a procession of flowers, fruits, and brass bands!
• Day 10 (Vijaya Dashami): The pinnacle! Elders apply vibrant tika (red vermilion marks) on foreheads, showering blessings of prosperity and health. It's all about victory, family bonds, and feasting on goat curry and sel roti (Nepali rice doughnuts – yum!).

And let's not forget the extended holiday vibe – with public holidays stretching through early October, it's the perfect excuse for kite-flying contests, swings (ping), and card games that last till dawn. If you're in Nepal, you'll see kites dotting the sky like colorful birds, warding off evil spirits!

A Personal Touch: My Dashain Memories

Growing up in the Kathmandu Valley, Dashain meant new clothes (finally!), pocket money from grandparents, and the thrill of swinging on handmade bamboo setups. This year, as the jamara sprouts green in my home puja room, I'm reminded of how this festival renews our spirits. No matter the challenges – be it traffic jams or the occasional monsoon shower – Dashain brings us back to what matters: gratitude, togetherness, and a little mischief with those flying kites.