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Dashain

Join in the jubilance of Dashain, Nepal's biggest festival! Relish the cultural tradition, swing on a Ping, and elevate your spirit!
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When it is?
October 12
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Category
Religious
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Country
Bhutan
Introduction

Get ready for an incredible fiesta on October 12th, as we celebrate Dashain, Nepal's biggest and most vibrant festival! This grand celebration has historical roots in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It's filled with cultural festivities, including flying kites, playing cards, savouring delicious feasts, and the thrilling "Ping" swings. This day is all about unity, renewal, and the joy of life. So, join us and get carried away in the enchanting vibrancy and spirit of Dashain! Experience first-hand the rich cultural traditions of Nepal and create memories that will last a lifetime!

History of Dashain

Dashain Dates

Dashain Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Pre-1768</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Dashain</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dashain has been a significant tradition in Nepali Hindu societies before the unification of Nepal.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1768</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dashain in a Unified Nepal</div><div class='timeline-text'>After the unification of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah, Dashain became a national celebration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inclusion of Non-Hindu Communities</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the mid-20th century, Dashain evolved into a unifying festival celebrating Nepali identity, involving both Hindu and non-Hindu communities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition as National Festival</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following political changes, Dashain was officially recognized as a national festival by the Nepali government, further solidifying its significance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>21st Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dashain has gained global recognition with Nepali diaspora communities celebrating the festival worldwide, retaining their cultural heritage.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Dashain

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Build a Ping swing</h3><p class='facts-text'>To truly immerse yourself in the Dashain experience, try building your very own traditional Ping swing! This special swing, made from bamboo stalks, is a major highlight of Dashain and symbolizes joy, freedom, and the spirit of the festival. Swinging on a Ping is not only fun but also brings back childhood memories.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a Kite flying event</h3><p class='facts-text'>Kite flying is a beloved Dashain tradition, signifying the gods' call to rain and good harvest. Gather your friends and family for a fun-filled day of crafting and flying kites. It can also be a friendly competition to see whose kite soars the highest!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn to play traditional card games</h3><p class='facts-text'>During Dashain, families gather to play traditional card games as a form of entertainment and bonding. Learn how to play these games, and organize a Dashain-themed game night, guaranteeing an evening filled with laughter and camaraderie.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cook a traditional Nepalese feast</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dashain is renowned for its mouthwatering feasts. Try your hand at creating traditional Nepalese dishes like masu (meat curry), achar (pickle), dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), and mithai (sweets). This provides a delicious way to experience the flavors of the festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dress in traditional Nepalese clothing</h3><p class='facts-text'>People don traditional attire during Dashain. So, why not join in by dressing in typical Nepali clothes like Daura-Suruwal for men or Gunnau-Choli for women? This not only allows you to feel part of the celebrations but also gives you an insight into the rich culture and traditions of Nepal.</p></div></div>

Why Dashain is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Dashain represents joy and unity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Dashain is a celebration of good triumphing over evil sparking a vibrant outpour of happiness and unity. The kite flying, card games, and traditional Ping swings symbolize togetherness and create an atmosphere of shared joy and community spirit.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>We get to immerse in Nepalese Culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Dashain offers an authentic taste of Nepal's rich cultural tradition. Whether it be through wearing traditional clothing, cooking Nepalese cuisine, or participating in native games, we get to experience a unique cultural immersion that leaves us more enriched and enlightened.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Dashain promotes familial bonds</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Amid the revelry, Dashain prioritizes family. With its card playing sessions and community events like kite flying, it fosters familial bonding and nurtures stronger relationships within the community. This focus on family and community only amplifies our admiration for this holiday.</p></div></div>

5 Unveiled Secrets of Nepal's Dashain Celebration

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dashain Marks a Historic Victory of Deities in Mythology</h3><p class='facts-content'>Dashain commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, which further accentuates the festival's importance in the Hindu mythological context.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Animal Sacrifice is a Prominent Aspect of Dashain Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>During Dashain, animal sacrifice is a common ritual, especially in Nepal, where it symbolizes appeasing the gods and goddesses. It further highlights the unique religious practices of the Hindu community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dashain is Celebrated for 15 Days</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike most festivals which last for a day or two, Dashain is celebrated over 15 consecutive days, each with its significance and activities, making it one of the longest Hindu festivals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Ritual of Kites Flying Has Its Symbolism</h3><p class='facts-content'>Flying kites during Dashain is not merely a form of fun, but it is believed to be a message to the gods to stop the rain, showcasing the festival's engagement with nature and its cycles.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dashain is Known by Various Names Across South Asia</h3><p class='facts-content'>Dashain is celebrated across South Asia, but its name varies. It is also known as Dashara, Dussehra and Vijaya Dashami in different parts, highlighting the cultural variations even within the Hindu community.</p></div></div>

Dashain FAQs

Dashain Dates

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2023

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2027

Religious Holidays