what is dashain

Dashain, also known as Bada Dashain or Vijaya Dashami, is the longest and most significant Hindu festival mainly celebrated in Nepal and also in some parts of India and among Nepali communities worldwide. It typically lasts for 15 days, usually falling in September or October. The festival honors the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the goddess Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasura and Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, religious rituals, and cultural celebrations. Central to the festival is the Tika ceremony on the tenth day, where elders bless younger family members by applying a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion on their foreheads along with blessings for prosperity and happiness. The festival also involves various rituals like sowing barley seeds (Jamara), animal sacrifices, visits to temples, and vibrant community gatherings. Dashain celebrates life, prosperity, spirituality, and cultural identity, playing a crucial role in Nepalese tradition and bringing people together across regions and the diaspora.