Dashain

Dashain commemorates the goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura after ten days of battle. The tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, marks that victory and gives the festival its other name.

The festival also has an agricultural layer. It follows the rice harvest, a time of relative plenty when families can afford to feast and travel. Under the Shah monarchy, Dashain was closely tied to royal ritual, and the Fulpati procession still carries ritual offerings into Kathmandu from Gorkha.

The first nine days, Navaratri, are devoted to Durga in her nine forms. Homes are cleaned, goddess shrines are visited, and in some towns animal sacrifices are offered on the eighth and ninth days.

On Vijaya Dashami, families gather to receive tika, a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion, along with jamara, barley shoots grown in darkness. Elders give blessings and dakshina, and younger relatives touch their feet in respect.

Expect long-distance transport to sell out days in advance and many shops and restaurants to close, especially in smaller towns. Book buses and flights early and confirm opening hours before setting out.

Kathmandu empties out as residents return to their villages, which makes the city unusually quiet. This can be an excellent time for sightseeing, but temple rituals may be crowded and some heritage sites operate reduced hours. Never photograph a family's tika ceremony without asking.

Dashain (दशैं) is a hindu festival observed mainly in Nationwide. It falls around September–October, in the Nepali month of Ashwin, and typically lasts 15 days.

The main day is Vijaya Dashami, when tika and jamara from elders takes centre stage. It is a national public holiday, so offices, schools, and many businesses close.

Festival dates follow the lunar Bikram Sambat calendar, so the English month range (September–October) is approximate and can shift by a couple of weeks from year to year. Confirm the current year's date with a local calendar or your hotel before booking transport.

Expect Nationwide to be busier than usual in the days around Vijaya Dashami. Book accommodation and long-distance travel early, carry cash, and allow extra time for crowds and road closures.