Language/Nepali-individual-language/Culture/Dashain-Festival
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
Welcome to the lesson on the Dashain Festival in Nepal! In this lesson, we will explore one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Nepal. We will delve into the history, cultural significance, and traditional practices associated with Dashain. By the end of this lesson, you will have a deeper understanding of this vibrant festival and its importance in Nepali culture.
History and Significance[edit | edit source]
The Dashain Festival, also known as Dashara, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal. It is observed for a period of 15 days, usually in the month of September or October, and culminates on the day of Vijaya Dashami. This festival holds great historical and religious significance for the people of Nepal.
According to Hindu mythology, Dashain commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is a time for Nepali people to celebrate the power and blessings of the divine goddess. It is believed that during Dashain, the goddess Durga visits every home and blesses the people with prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.
Rituals and Traditions[edit | edit source]
The Dashain Festival is characterized by various rituals and traditions that are followed with great enthusiasm and devotion. Let's explore some of the key practices associated with this festival:
Ghatasthapana[edit | edit source]
The festival begins with the ritual of Ghatasthapana, which involves the establishment of a sacred vessel known as the kalash. The kalash is filled with holy water and adorned with flowers and barley seeds. It symbolizes the goddess Durga and is worshipped throughout the festival.
Worship of the Goddess[edit | edit source]
During Dashain, people offer prayers and perform elaborate rituals to honor the goddess Durga. They visit temples dedicated to the goddess and offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings. It is believed that by worshipping the goddess, one can seek her blessings for protection, prosperity, and success.
Animal Sacrifice[edit | edit source]
Animal sacrifice is an integral part of the Dashain Festival. It is believed that sacrificing animals, usually goats or buffaloes, appeases the goddess and brings good fortune to the family. The sacrificed animals are considered as offerings to the goddess, and their meat is distributed among family members and the less fortunate.
Tika and Blessings[edit | edit source]
On the tenth day of Dashain, known as Vijaya Dashami, families come together to receive tika and blessings from their elders. The elders apply a mixture of red vermillion, rice, and yogurt on the foreheads of their younger relatives as a symbol of good luck and protection. This tradition strengthens family bonds and fosters a sense of love and respect among family members.
Flying Kites[edit | edit source]
Another popular tradition during Dashain is the flying of kites. People of all ages participate in this activity, filling the sky with colorful kites. It is believed that flying kites during Dashain brings good luck and drives away evil spirits. This tradition adds a festive and joyful atmosphere to the celebrations.
Feasting and Merriment[edit | edit source]
Dashain is a time of feasting and merriment. Families come together to prepare and enjoy delicious traditional dishes such as sel roti, goat curry, and sweets like malpua and kheer. It is a time for relatives and friends to reunite, exchange gifts, and celebrate the festive spirit.
Regional Variations[edit | edit source]
While Dashain is celebrated throughout Nepal, there are certain regional variations in the way the festival is observed. Different ethnic communities and regions have their unique customs and traditions associated with Dashain. Let's explore some of these regional variations:
Kumari Puja in Kathmandu Valley[edit | edit source]
In the Kathmandu Valley, Dashain is marked by the worship of the Kumari, a young girl believed to be the living incarnation of the goddess Durga. The Kumari is chosen through a rigorous selection process and worshipped as a deity during the festival. This tradition reflects the strong cultural and religious heritage of the Newar community in the valley.
Animal Sacrifice in Terai Region[edit | edit source]
In the Terai region of Nepal, especially among the Tharu community, animal sacrifice is carried out on a large scale during Dashain. The festival is celebrated with great fervor, and people come together to participate in the rituals and enjoy traditional dances and music.
Playing Swing in Hilly Regions[edit | edit source]
In the hilly regions of Nepal, Dashain is celebrated with the tradition of playing on swings known as "ping." People, young and old, gather in open spaces and enjoy swinging on beautifully decorated swings. This tradition is a symbol of joy and happiness and adds a playful element to the festival.
Interesting Facts[edit | edit source]
Here are some interesting facts about the Dashain Festival:
- Dashain is the longest and most important festival in Nepal, lasting for 15 days.
- The festival celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
- Dashain is a time for families to come together, offer prayers, and seek blessings from elders.
- Animal sacrifice is a controversial aspect of the festival, with ongoing debates about its ethical implications.
- Dashain is also celebrated by the Nepali diaspora around the world, showcasing the global reach of Nepali culture.
Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now that you have learned about the Dashain Festival, let's put your knowledge to the test with some exercises:
Exercise 1: True or False 1. Dashain is a festival celebrated only by the Hindu community. (False) 2. The goddess Durga is worshipped during Dashain. (True) 3. Flying kites is not a traditional practice during Dashain. (False) 4. The Kumari is worshipped as a deity during Dashain in the Kathmandu Valley. (True) 5. Dashain lasts for 10 days. (False)
Exercise 2: Vocabulary Matching Match the following Nepali words related to Dashain with their English translations. 1. Ghatasthapana a. Animal Sacrifice 2. Tika b. Flying Kites 3. Kumari c. Sacred Vessel 4. Bhetghat d. Red Vermillion 5. Bali e. Young Girl Incarnation
Solution: 1. Ghatasthapana c. Sacred Vessel 2. Tika d. Red Vermillion 3. Kumari e. Young Girl Incarnation 4. Bhetghat b. Flying Kites 5. Bali a. Animal Sacrifice
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on the Dashain Festival in Nepal. You have learned about the history, rituals, and regional variations associated with this vibrant festival. Dashain holds immense cultural and religious significance for the people of Nepal, and now you have a deeper understanding of its importance. Keep exploring the rich cultural heritage of Nepal, and stay tuned for the next lesson on another fascinating festival, the Tihar Festival.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Nepali Spices and Herbs
- Nepali Music and Dance
- Nepal Timeline
- Traditional Nepali Dishes
- Tihar Festival
- Holi Festival
- Nepali Handicrafts
- Family and Marriage in Nepal
- Religion and Beliefs in Nepal
| ◀️ Drinks in Nepali — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Tihar Festival ▶️ |