Overview of the 2026 Dashain Festival in Nepal
Dashain festival is the supreme celebration of the Hindus. Renowned in different parts of Nepal and among the Hindu people worldwide, this festival is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness, and of purity over corruption.
Dashain Festival: The Festival Of Victory
Dashain festival is also recognized as Vijaya Dashami. Vijaya indicates victory, and Dashami indicates the 10th day of the lunar calendar. The festival celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon is celebrated and worshipped for 10 days. Therefore, the Dashain festival is also known as Vijaya Dashami.
Dashain Festival: The Festival Of Superlatives
Dashain, renowned as the most significant celebration of Hindus, takes its name from the 10 main days of the festival. Dashain is derived from the Nepali word dush, meaning ten.
Goddess Durga Divine Feminine Power
The initial 10 days of the 15-day-long Dashain festival are more noteworthy, as they coincide with the worship of a diverse array of avatars of Goddess Durga, including Kali. Goddess Kali represents authority, destructive force, and the slayer of evil.
Hindus worship the Goddess Kali, according to ancient legends that explain her role in the execution of Mahisasura and Shumbha-Nishumbha. Kali is one of the most influential and legendary personalities among Hindus.
Facts and Fables of Dashain Festival
The Hindu legends connected to the Dashain celebration state that the devil was causing much difficulty to the Gods, and after it became insufferable. Gods took the protection of the mother Goddess Durga. She started the form of Kali and killed the violent devil, including Mahishasur and Shumbha Nishumbha.
In remembrance of those devils’ death, they began to worship the Goddess Durga in her various forms. Therefore, the worship or wish lasts for 9 days.
When Is Dashain Celebrated?
- Ghatasthapana: 25 Ashwin 2083 — Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Vijaya Dashami / Tika: 4 Kartik 2083 — Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Kojagrat Purnima: 8 Kartik 2083 — Sunday, October 25, 2026
Dashain festival is celebrated in the month of Asoj in the Nepali calendar and usually falls in September or October. In 2026, Dashain starts on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana, and ends on Sunday, October 25, 2026, with Kojagrat Purnima. The main day for Tika is Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Ghatasthapana falls on 25 Ashwin 2083, and Tika falls on 4 Kartik 2083.
Blessing from elders
October and November are most likely the best months of the year in Nepal. The heavy, prolonged rain is over; the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, with a clear sky and good views of the peaks.
First Day Of Dashain Ghatasthapana
Kite Dancing Sky's Colour Palette
The Dashain festival is celebrated for 15 days, with the initial day being known as Ghatasthapana. Ghatasthapana is composed of two words: Ghata, meaning "pot" or "cup," and Sthapana, meaning "establishment." Ghata refers to a vessel or container, and Sthapana means to set up.
The initial day is the founding of a container in which clean water, flowers, and banyan leaves are placed. The water is used to irrigate the barley sapling. This is known as keeping the Jamara. Sprout barley saplings are considered very sacred among Hindus. They water the saplings for 9 days. Ghatasthapana is the first of the Dashain festival.
How is the Dashain Festival Celebrated?
From the 2nd day to the 6th day of the Dashain festival, the prayer to Goddess Durga is done. Throughout these days, schools are closed, and families go shopping and buy new clothes. In most families, Dashain is the annual occasion to buy new clothes.
These untimely days are also the groundwork days for the approaching demanding Dashain festival, from the 7th to the 15th. People also purchase goats and other animals for sacrifice. The 15th day of the Dashain festival, Panchami, also marks the Panchabali festival, during which one lets go of 5 creatures.
In general, the Hindus forgo animals in the Durga temples to present Goddess Kali the blood of iniquity. On the other hand, a supple cultural follow provides space for a somewhat peaceful technique of forgoing. As a replacement for animals, people give fruits and vegetables as a substitute for sacrifice.
7th Day Of Dashain: The Phoolpati
Phoolpati is the 7th day of the Dashain festival. In this recognised tradition, various flowers and other vital aromatic plants are transported from Gorkha to various parts of Kathmandu, perpetuating the bond between the two significant places of United Nepal, Kathmandu and Gorkha. At the same time, the Nepal Army presents a particular celebration at Tundikhel.
8th Day Of Dashain Festival: The Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami, also known as Durga Ashtami, is considered the most significant 8th day of the festival. On this day, all Hindus adore the Goddess Durga, taking a shower and performing puja in the morning. They also visit a temple and pray to the Goddess for blessings of prosperity, affluence, and fortune, and to ward off all problems.
The 9th day of the festival is also popularly known as the Maha Navami. Additionally, on the 10th day, Vijaya Dashami is celebrated.
This day is the most imperative day of this celebration. Most Hindu people bathe in the morning, wear fresh clothes, and visit their elders for blessings, accompanied by a jamara and a tika.
The Final Touch,
Dashain is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Nepal every year. If you are willing to visit Nepal and participate in this festival, mark your calendar for September to October and take full pleasure in the experience. For any further queries, please don't hesitate to connect with the Hop Nepal team at your convenience.
