Why You Should Be Visit in Dashain or Tihar
From the high mountains to the beautiful valleys, rich in cultural heritage, Nepal is a country that comes alive during its seasons of festivals. Among many, Dashain and Tihar stand out as the most vital, attracting not only natives but also visitors from abroad. These festivals reveal the deep-seated traditions that characterize Nepal and give an immersive experience for those who wish to understand the vivid 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 one of the big festivals celebrated in Nepal. It is considered to be a victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Normally, Dashain is symbolic of a win over evil. Dashain falls in September-October; this festival is celebrated with joy, love, and sharing for 15 days. 
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 the second main festival in Nepal. It is also famous as Dipawali in some parts of Terai. In Tihar, animals are worshipped to God, which continuous for 5 days. Though Tihar is believed to be similar to Diwali in India, Tihar portrays different approaches of Nepal towards worship and celebration.
Source- Google
Key Days of Tihar:
Kag Tihar (Day 1):
It starts with the worship of crows, carriers of gods. Foods like selroti and sweets are prepared and 0ffer to crow by keeping it in the rooftop. On this day Nepal worship crow.
Kukur Tihar (Day 2):
This day is reserved for dogs. Dogs are bedecked with garlands and tika, offered special treats for being loyal and a source of protection alike.
Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Day 3):
The worship of cows in the morning signifies prosperity and wealth. Houses are cleaned and smudged with oil lamps in the evening while Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth is welcomed by drawing rangoli.
Govardhan Puja (Day 4):
The various ethnics celebrate Govardhan Puja in their way. Some people, on this day offer worship to the oxen whereas some other people believe it to be the first day for Newar’s Mha Puja that is the worshipping of the self.
Bhai Tika (Day 5):
On the last day of Tihar, sister and brother show very warm relations. Sister puts many-colored tika on the forehead of their brothers and pray for long life and prosperity whereas brothers give presents to their sisters promising to protect their sisters always.
Unique Traditions:
- Deusi and Bhailo are groups visiting door to door, sharing gentle songs and spreads among people and blessings to houses they visit, just like caroling.
- Sweet rice doughnuts, sel roti in Nepalese, sweetened with sugar or jaggery, and some homemade sweets and snacks too, are the must-try during Tihar.
- Light of diyas and electric light makes the whole city look good.
Why visit Nepal during Dashain and Tihar?
- Cultural Exchange: The festivals showcase a lifetime experience with rich traditions and religious propensities of Nepal, where you get to see everything from family gatherings down to the elaborate temple rituals.
- Festive Ambiance: You can see just how festal ways of celebration create an environment of gaiety and welcomes you with lighted streets, warm homes, and smiling people in their best attires.
- Photographic Splendor: Bright colors of Tika, glowingoil lamps, and joyfulpeople addcolors.
- Authentic Local Experiences: You might fly kites during Dashain. During the Tihar you join the moving groups door to door singing Deusi-Bhailo. People not just watch a show; instead, it is made more participant oriented.
- 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 travelling 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 way beyond a festival; they signify life, family, and faith. Dashain and Tihar epitomize richness in the cultural aspect of Nepalese society, presenting amazing views into the culture traveler’s palette of experience. Immerse in immense fun with deep regards: a staunch culture enthusiast, a food enthusiast at least-loving the enjoyment of traditions. Mark the date today, back your bags, and jump into Nepalese Dashain and Tihar events to go spellbound by the magic in festivals on the atmosphere. Feel free to contact us today at Happy Mountain Nepal, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
FAQs
1.When do Dashain and Tihar take place?
Dashain usually falls between the month of September and October, whereas Tihar falls right after Dashain, around the month of October or November.
2.What is the significance of Dashain?
Dashain signifies Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura and symbolizes good over evil.
3.What rituals are performed during Dashain?
Some of the key rituals are the blessings by tika and Jamara to family members, sacrifices of animals in certain communities, and flying kites in celebration.
4.How long does Dashain last?
Dashain is a 15-day festival. The most important rituals fall on the tenth day which is Vijaya Dashami.
5.What makes Tihar unique?
Tihar is a five-day celebration where, along with worshipping gods, dogs, cows, and crows also come under the circle; each day of the festival is devoted to a different animal or god.
6.What can I expect during Tihar celebrations?
Expect bright lights with oil lamps, rangoli, and worship of animals. Singing, dancing, and feasting are also included in the festivals.
7.What is Deusi-Bhailo?
Actually, Deusi-Bhailo is Nepali caroling: groups of people go around the neighborhood singing festive songs, sharing in 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.