Dashain, also spelled Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal and India. It is the longest and most important festival in the Nepali calendar, and is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains all over Nepal and India. The festival centers around the worship of the goddess Durga, and her victory over the demon Mahisasura. Dashain is also a time for family reunions, as many Nepali families return to their homes to celebrate the festival together.
The exact date of Dashain varies depending on the lunar calendar, but it generally falls between mid-September and mid-October. The festival lasts for 15 days, and each day has its own special significance. The first day of Dashain is known as Ghatasthapana, and is the start of the Dashain season. On this day, families clean their homes and prepare for the festival by making special offerings to the goddess Durga.
The second day, called Phulpati, is when the main celebrations begin. Families worshipping Durga will make offerings of flowers, fruits, and animals. The third day, called Maha Astami, is when the goddess Durga is believed to have killed the demon Mahisasura. This day is marked by special puja ceremonies and the offering of animal sacrifices.
The fourth day, called Maha Navami, is when the goddess Durga is worshipped in her nine different forms. The fifth day, called Vijaya Dashami, is the climax of the festival, and is when Durga is worshipped in her most powerful form. On this day, families visit the homes of their elders to receive their blessings.
Dashain is a time of celebration, feasting, and worship. It is a time to come together with family and friends, and to remember the triumph of good over evil.