Dashain

Categories:: Religious
Tags:: Activities Festivities Hindu
Where:: Bhutan
Date change rule:: Begins during the Hindu month of Kartik (September–October)
Holiday emoji:: 🪔

Dashain lights up the Hindu calendar each October, marking the victory of good over evil. This 10-day festival is a time for family reunions, elaborate feasts, and receiving blessings. Join millions in celebrating this auspicious occasion with traditional rituals and joyous gatherings.

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Expected Dashain Deals

As Dashain approaches, families prepare for lavish celebrations, often involving new clothes, gifts, and travel. While specific 2027 promotions are yet to be announced, expect retailers like Bhatbhateni Supermarket and Saleways Department Store in Nepal to offer discounts on clothing, electronics, and household goods. Travel agencies such as Yatra and MakeMyTrip may feature special packages for those returning home or visiting pilgrimage sites. Look for food brands like Wai Wai Noodles and Gorkha Brewery to run festive campaigns. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October approaches.

Platform Guide for Dashain

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Dashain. Share vibrant photos of family gatherings, traditional attire, and festive decorations.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Dashain. Engage with community groups by sharing stories of Dashain traditions and recipes.

YouTube

Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create or watch videos showcasing Dashain rituals, cultural dances, and festive meals.

Dashain Hero

Goddess Durga

Dashain primarily celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Her nine forms, known as Navadurga, are worshipped throughout the festival. This mythological narrative forms the spiritual core of Dashain, inspiring devotees to reflect on righteousness and inner strength.

History of Dashain

Also called ‘Bijaya Dashami,’ Dashain is celebrated by Nepalese people, both within and outside the country. Centered on the worship of the goddess ‘Durga,’ thousands of offerings and animal sacrifices are made. The significance of the festival is the triumph of good over evil, commemorating a victory of the gods over the wicked ones. This is symbolized in the fabled victory of ‘Durga’ over the demon ‘Mahisasur,’ who terrorized the earth. Another popular story is the ‘Ramayan,’ where Lord Ram succeeded in slaughtering the demon king after evoking the name of Durga. There are six significant days, which are day one, day seven, day eight, day nine, day 10, and day 15. The first nine days of the festival, known as ‘Nawa Ratri,’ symbolize the nine days of battle between Durga and the demon. On day 10, the demon was slain and the final five days symbolize the victory celebrations in honor of Durga as the divine mother goddess.

During the preparations for the festival, Nepalese people clean and decorate their homes, inviting Durga in so that she may bless and bring good fortune. The markets are usually besieged by shoppers purchasing clothes, gifts, sweets, foodstuffs, and supplies to offer the gods.

Dashain timeline

2000 B.C.

The Start of Hinduism in Nepal

Hinduism comes to Nepal from the Indus Valley via a sage called Ne.

1375

The References From Ancient Sources

Old scriptures contain references to the celebration of Dashain in Nepal.

1678

The Kings Malla and Shah Unite

The Malla king Nripendra Malla and the Gorkhali king Prithvipati Shah become special friends on the day of Dashain Tika.

18th Century

The Spread of Dashain

The Dashain festivities continue to become even more important to the Nepalese.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Dashain

Local businesses can embrace Dashain by decorating their premises with festive garlands and lights, offering special Dashain menus featuring traditional Nepali dishes, and running promotions on cultural attire or gifts. Restaurants can host family-friendly events with live music and traditional dances. Travel agencies can create bespoke packages for families visiting Nepal, while grocery stores can stock up on ingredients for festive cooking.

Dashain FAQs

When is Dashain?

In 2026, Dashain begins on Tuesday, October 20, and concludes on Thursday, October 29. It’s a time for joyous family reunions and spiritual reflection.

What is the significance of Dashain?

Dashain symbolizes the victory of good over evil, primarily celebrating Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. It is a period for receiving blessings from elders and strengthening family bonds.

How many people celebrate Dashain?

Dashain is celebrated by millions of Hindus, particularly in Nepal, where it is the most significant national festival. Large Nepali diaspora communities worldwide also observe the holiday.

What are the main rituals of Dashain?

Key rituals include Ghatasthapana (planting barley seeds), Fulpati (bringing sacred flowers), Maha Ashtami (animal sacrifices), and Bijaya Dashami (receiving Tika and Jamara from elders).

How to Observe Dashain

Go out there and do good
Celebrate Dashain by doing good to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. In our everyday lives, it's important to shun evil and be the shining light in a dark world.
Show kindness to everyone
The best way to do good is to show kindness to our fellow humans. This can be done by giving to those less fortunate or speaking out against injustice. Endeavor to be kind to others.
Spread the word
Raise awareness about Dashain in your local community. Alternatively, post about it online and spread the word.

5 Interesting Facts About Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country
Nepal is nestled between India and China and does not have a waterfront.
Nepal has some high peaks
Nepal possesses eight of the 10 highest peaks in the world, namely Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Manaslu, and Annapurna.
The Lord Buddha was born here
He is said to have been born in 623 B.C. in the southern part of Nepal
Nepal is home to the Gurkha soldiers
Gurkha soldiers are renowned for their superb fighting skills.
The Nepalese have a different calendar
The 'Bikram Sambat,' the Nepalese calendar, is ahead of the Gregorian calendar by a whopping 57 years.

Why Dashain is Important

The concept of good vs evil
Dashain symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. In our world, it often seems that evil deeds go unpunished but in the end, good always prevails.
Dashain brings people together
Both within and outside the country, Dashain is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. It is a time for families to gather and spend time with one another.
Dashain is a part of Nepal’s culture
Aside from being a religious festival, Dashain is also ingrained into the culture of Nepal. There is no doubt that our culture and traditions make us who we are as individuals.