Why You Should Be Visit in Dashain or Tihar
From the high mountains down to the beautiful valleys, rich in cultural heritage, Nepal is a country that stirs into life in its seasons of festivals. The most important of many festivals are Dashain and Tihar, which lure not only natives but also visitors from abroad. These festivals characterize the deeply seated traditions of Nepal and give an immersive experience to those who want to understand the vibrant culture of the Himalayan nation.
The blog further goes into those iconic festivals, continuing their importance, rituals, and why they must be on your bucket list.
Dashain: The Grand Festival of Victory and Prosperity
Dashain or Vijaya Dashami is celebrated as main festival in Nepal. It is considered as the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Usually, Dashain is the symbolic of the win over the evil. Dashin falls in September- October, this festival is celebrated for 15 days with joy, love and sharing. 
Source- Google
Key Days of Dashain
Ghatasthapana (Day 1):
Dashain starts with the filling of the holy water vessel called Kalash and sowing barley seeds in the sand, which grows into Jamara (holy grass) until the tenth day.
Fulpati (Day 7):
The flowers and other holy offerings are brought from Gorkha to the capital on this day, which depicts unity and a continuation of customs.
Maha Ashtami and Navami (Days 8 and 9):
These days see the fierce forms of Goddess Durga; hence, animals are sacrificed in temples, and devotees get blessings for protection.
Vijaya Dashami (Day 10):
This is the most important day of Dashain. Elders apply a mixture of red tika, Jamara, and rice grains on the foreheads of younger family members as a blessing for success, health, and prosperity.
Unique Traditions
- Linge Ping: Giant bamboo swings are erected across villages and towns, with people of all ages enjoying the sport of swinging on them.
- Kite Flying: The skies dot with colored kites, which is a symbol of joy and freedom.
- Animal Worship: Goats, buffaloes, and ducks are ritually sacrificed to appease the goddess in some communities.
Tihar: The Festival of Lights and Rngolis
After Dashain, Tihar is considered as the second main festivals in Nepal. Tihar is also known as Dipawali in some place of terai. Tihar is celebrated for 5 days worshipping animal to God. Often compared to India’s Diwali, Tihar shows Nepal’s unique approach to worship and festivity.
Source- Google
Key Days of Tihar:
Kag Tihar (Day 1):
It is then initiated with the worship of crows, considered carriers of gods. Food items such as selroti and sweets are made and 0ffer to crow by keeping it in the rooftop. On this day Nepal worship crow.
Kukur Tihar (Day 2):
The day is reserved for dogs. The dogs are bedecked with garlands and tika and offered special treats as a reward for being loyal and a source of protection alike.
Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Day 3):
People believe that morning worship of cows signals wealth and prosperity. In the evening, they clean their houses, smear oil lamps, and welcome Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth, by drawing rangoli.
Govardhan Puja (Day 4):
Govardhan Puja is celebrated differently by different ethnics. Some people worship oxen while others believe that this day is the first day of Newar’s Mha Puja, which is the worship of self.
Bhai Tika (Day 5):
On the last day of Tihar, a peculiarly warm relationship is expressed between brothers and sisters. Sisters put multicolored tika on the forehead of their brothers and pray for long life and prosperity by heart whereas brothers give presents to their sisters promising to protect their sisters always.
Unique Traditions:
- Deusi and Bhailo are groups that go on door-to-door, singing traditional songs to spread cheer among people and bless the homes they visit, much like caroling.
- During Tihar, people must taste sweet rice doughnuts, known as sel roti, along with other homemade sweets and snacks.
- The diyas and electric lights light up the whole city, creating a wonderful scene.
Why visit Nepal during Dashain and Tihar?
- Cultural Exchange: Both festivals offer you lifetime experience of rich traditions and religious propensities of Nepal. You can observe from family gatherings to elaborate temple rituals.
- Festive Ambiance: You can see the way festival is celebrated. Such as lighted streets, warm houses, and people in their best attire create an environment of festivities and welcome.
- Photographic Splendor: Capture the bright colors of tika, the glow of oil lamps, and the joyful faces of people in these celebrations.
- Authentic Local Experiences: You can experience local’s things like fly kites during Dashain. You can join with the groups going door-to-door singing in Deusi-Bhailo during Tihar. People don’t just watch; they join in and participate.
- Cuisinal Delights: Be it the ‘sel roti’ and ‘yomari’ or even rich meat-based curries, festival food is a treat in Nepal.
Travelers Tips
- Dashain and Tihar are peak traveling times for locals. Before you travel make sure you do your hotel bookings and transportation in advance.
- Ask for the meaning of some rituals and always to get knowledge about them.
- Always ask permission to attend any ceremony or shoot one.
- Some festivals fall on days when all shops and services remain closed since everyone is back in their hometown to celebrate. Lean into the slower pace and focus on festivities.
Conclusion
Dashain and Tihar are so more than a festival — they celebrate life and family and faith. They embody Nepal’s cultural identity and provide a colorful experience for travelers, that provides immense joy to culture lovers, food lovers and lovers of traditions as a whole. So, save the date, pack your bags, head into the Nepalese Dashain and Tihar celebration and feel the magic in the air. Contact us today at Happy Mountain Nepal, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
FAQs
1.When do Dashain and Tihar take place?
Dashain usually occurs between September and October, while Tihar is celebrated shortly after Dashain, typically in October or November.
2.What is the significance of Dashain?
Dashain celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
3.What rituals are performed during Dashain?
Key rituals include the blessing of family members with tika and Jamara, animal sacrifices in some communities, and flying kites to mark the occasion.
4.How long does Dashain last?
Dashain is a 15-day festival, with the most significant rituals happening on the tenth day, Vijaya Dashami.
5.What makes Tihar unique?
Tihar is a five-day festival that honors not only gods but also animals like dogs, cows, and crows, with each day dedicated to a specific animal or deity.
6.What can I expect during Tihar celebrations?
Expect vibrant decorations with oil lamps, rangoli, and the worship of animals. The festival also features singing, dancing, and feasting.
7.What is Deusi-Bhailo?
Deusi-Bhailo is a tradition where groups go door-to-door singing festive songs, similar to caroling, to spread joy and blessings during Tihar.
8.Are there any special foods during these festivals?
Yes! Expect to taste traditional treats like sel roti, yomari, and various meat-based curries, especially during the festive period.
9.Can tourists participate in the celebrations?
Yes, tourists are often welcomed to join in the celebrations, whether it’s flying kites during Dashain or singing in Deusi-Bhailo during Tihar.
10.Is it difficult to travel during Dashain and Tihar?
These festivals are peak traveling times for locals, so it’s advisable to book hotels and transportation in advance. Some services may be limited as people return to their hometowns for the celebrations.