Dashain
During the month of Kartik (late September and early October), the Nepalese people indulge in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain. Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese of all caste and creed throughout the country. The fifteen days of celebration occurs during the bright lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon. Thorough out the kingdom of Nepal the goddess Durga in all her manifestations are worshiped with innumerable pujas, abundant offerings and thousands of animal sacrifices for the ritual holy bathing, thus drenching the goddess for days in blood.
Dashain commemorates a great victory of the gods over the wicked demons. One of the victory stories told is the Ramayan, where the lord Ram after a big struggle slaughtered Ravana, the fiendish king of demons. It is said that lord Ram was successful in the battle only when goddess Durga was evoked. The main celebration glorifies the triumph of good over evil and is symbolized by goddess Durga slaying the terrible demon Mahisasur, who terrorised the earth in the guise of a brutal water buffalo. The first nine days signify the nine days of ferrous battle between goddess Durga and the demon Mahisasur. The tenth day is the day when Mahisasur was slain and the last five days symbolise the celebration of the victory with the blessing of the goddess. Dashain is celebrated with great rejoice, and goddess Durga is worshiped throughout the kingdom as the divine mother goddess.
In preparation for Dashain every home is cleansed and beautifully decorated, painted as an invitation to the mother goddess, so that she may visit and bless the house with good fortune. During this time the reunion of distant and nearby relatives occur in every household. The market is filled with shoppers seeking new clothing, gifts, luxuries and enormous supplies of temple offering for the gods, as well as foodstuffs for the family feasting. Thousands of sheep, goats, ducks, chicken and water buffalo are prepared for the great slaughter. All types of organisations are closed for ten to fifteen days. Labourers are almost impossible to find; from the poor to the rich, all enjoy the festive mood. Anywhere you go the aroma of 'Vijaya Dashami' is found.
The first nine days of Dashain are called Nawa Ratri when tantric rites are conducted. In Nepal the life force is embodied in the divine energy and power of the female, depicted as goddess Durga in her many forms. All goddess who emanated from goddess Durga are known as devis, each with different aspects and powers. In most mother goddess temples the deity is represented simply as a sacred Kalash, carved water jug or multiple handed goddess holding murderous weapons. During these nine days people pay their homage to the goddess. If she is properly worshiped and pleased good fortunes are on the way and if angered through neglect then misfortunes are around the corner. Mother goddess is the source of life and everything.
The first day of Dashain is called Ghatasthapana, which literally means pot establishing. On this day the kalash, (holy water vessel) symbolising goddess Durga often with her image embossed on the side is placed in the prayer room. The kalash is filled with holy water and covered with cowdung on to which seeds are sown. A small rectangular sand block is made and the kalash is put in the centre. The surrounding bed of sand is also seeded with grains. The ghatasthapana ritual is performed at a certain auspicious moment determined by the astrologers. At that particular moment the priest intones a welcome, requesting goddess Durga to bless the vessel with her presence.
The room where the kalash is established is called 'Dashain Ghar'. Generally women are not allowed to enter the room where Dashain puja is being carried out. A priest or a household man worships the kalash everyday once in the morning and then in the evening. The kalash and the sand are sprinkled with holy water everyday and it is shielded from direct sunlight. By the tenth day, the seed will have grown to five or six inches long yellow grass. The sacred yellow grass is called 'Jamara'. It is bestowed by the elders atop the heads of those younger to them during the last five days when tika is put on. The jamara is taken as a token of Goddess Durga as well as the elders blessing.
As days passes by regular rituals are observed till the seventh day.
The seventh day is called 'Fulpati'. In fulpati, the royal kalash filled with holy water, banana stalks, jamara and sugar cane tied with red cloth is carried by Brahmans on a decorated palanquin under a gold tipped and embroidered umbrella. The government officials also join the fulpati parade. With this the Dashain feasting starts.
The seventh day is called 'Fulpati'. In fulpati, the royal kalash filled with holy water, banana stalks, jamara and sugar cane tied with red cloth is carried by Brahmans on a decorated palanquin under a gold tipped and embroidered umbrella. The government officials also join the fulpati parade. With this the Dashain feasting starts.
The eighth day is called the Maha Asthami: The fervour of worship and sacrifice to Durga and Kali increases. On this day many orthodox Hindus will be fasting. Sacrifices are held in almost every house through out the day. The night of the eighth day is called 'Kal Ratri', the dark night. Hundreds of goats, sheep and buffaloes are sacrificed at the mother goddess temples. The sacrifice continues till dawn. While the puja is being carried out great feasts are held in the homes of common people where large amount of meat are consumed.
The ninth day is called Nawami: Temples of mother goddess are filled with people from dawn till dusk. Animals mostly black buffaloes are slaughtered to honour Durga the goddess of victory and might and to seek her blessing. Military bands play war tunes, guns boom and officers with beautifully decorated medals in full uniform stand there. When the function ends the courtyard is filled ankle deep with blood. On this very day the god Vishwa Karma, the God of creativity is also worshiped. All factories, vehicles, any machinery instruments and anything from which we make a living are worshiped. We also give sacrifices to all moving machinery like cars, aeroplanes, trucks etc. to get the blessing from goddess Durga for protection for vehicles and their occupants against accidents during the year. The entire day is colourful.
The tenth day is the Dashami: On this day we take tika and jamara from our elders and receive their blessing. We visit our elders in their home and get tika from them while our younger ones come to our home to receive blessing from us. The importance of Dasain also lies in the fact that on this day family members from far off and distant relatives come for a visit as well as to receive tika from the head of the family. This function continues for four days. After four days of rushing around and meeting your relatives Dashain ends on the full moon day, the fifteenth day. In the last day people stay at home and rest. The full moon day is also called 'Kojagrata' meaning 'who is awake'. The Hindu goddess of wealth Laxmi is worshipped. On this day the goddess Laxmi is given an invitation to visit each and everyone.
After Dashain everyone settles back to normal. After receiving the blessing of goddess Durga, people are ready to work and acquire virtue, power and wealth. Dashain thus is not only the longest festival but also the most anticipated one among all the festivals of Nepal.
Holi is celebrated with great pomp and show in Nepal. Celebrations lasts for a week in which the entire country gets drenched in the coloured water. Celebrations are of marked importance at Terai and also where Indian community mainly Marwaris have settled. Families and friends get together and celebrate the occasion with a lot of merry making.All over the streets people can be watched having fun, throwing colours and water-balloons, locally called 'lolas' on each other. Though play of colours takes place on the last day, a ceremonial pole called, 'chir' is installed on the first day. Chir is a bamboo pole fringed with strips of clothes representing good luck charms. As the pole is put up in the street at Basantapur, the festivities and worship commences for the week. At the end of the festivities chir is taken to a bonfire.There is a popular legend behind the installation of chir. The story is again about the mischievous nature of Krishna who just loved to pray pranks with the milkmaids or gopis. Playful as he was, it is said that once he seduced all the local girls with his dashing good looks. He then danced with them all and when they fully engrossed in him, then he thought they were ripe for a tease. He doused them in coloured water and stole all their clothes while they were bathing in the water of river Yamuna. Naughty Krishna then hung their clothes on a tree to bug them. Chir symbolizes that very tree. The other legends popular in India as that of Prahlad and his devilish father, Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap asked his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. However, Prahlad was saved for his extreme devotion by Lord Vishnu while Holika paid a price for her sinister desires. Every year just as in India people in Nepal light a bonfire- called Holika to mark the victory of good over evil.Also known is the legend of Pootana who tried to kill infant Krishna by feeding her poisonous milk on the direction of devil hearted uncle of Krishna called Kansa.
Tihar
Tihar, the festival of lights, is one of the most important festivals in Nepal. It is celebrated for five days. Happenings of all these days have been given below :
Day 1
Crows, called Kaga in Nepal, are worshipped on the first day. Delicious meal is cooked early morning in every household and each member of the family takes some food outside. The crows descend in large numbers to partake the offerings. People consider the crows to be the messenger of Yama, the Lord of Death. People worship crows to keep sadness at bay. They consider the voice of crows as symbol of sorrow.
Day 2
Second day is dedicated to worshipping of dogs. Kukur (Dogs) are decorated with flower garland around their necks. Red tika is applied on their forehead. They also get to savour delicous meals. People request the dogs to guard their homes.
Day 3
Cows are worshipped on the third day of the Tihar. Cow is considered the mother of the universe according to Hindu traditions, and therefore a sacred animal. Tika is applied on her forehead, she is garlanded and offered nice things to eat. People place her manure in different parts of their houses. They drink a drop or two of the cow's urine, for they think that the action would purify them.
Laxmi Puja
Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, is worshipped with great zeal and faith. Whole country is illuminated with lights. Candle lights and oil lamps are traditionally used for the purpose. The 'puja' is usually performed at dusk, preferably by female. She makes a symbolic footprint outside the home with red mud and then walks to the room where the goddess is worshipped.
Bhailini Songs
Bhalini songs are played only on this day in the entire year. These are special songs which groups of girls sing together. They sing Bhailo door and door, and get money or homemade treats in return.
Day 4
Men sing Deusi or Deusuray songs. They are given money or refreshments. Arrival of the new year is also celebrated in Tihar. Ritual of Govardhan puja or Goru Tihar (Oxen Worshipping) is also observed. The religious proceedings of the fourth day are also known as mahapuja.
Day 5
Fifth day, also known as Bhai Tika, is the day of brothers and sisters. Sister applies red tika on the forehead of brother. An intriguing ritual is also followed. Sisters walk around the brothers three times dropping oil on the floor from a pitcher. Sisters pray for brothers' long life and prosperity while brothers offer gifts. Then delicious Tihar feast takes place in the households.
Day 1
Crows, called Kaga in Nepal, are worshipped on the first day. Delicious meal is cooked early morning in every household and each member of the family takes some food outside. The crows descend in large numbers to partake the offerings. People consider the crows to be the messenger of Yama, the Lord of Death. People worship crows to keep sadness at bay. They consider the voice of crows as symbol of sorrow.
Day 2
Second day is dedicated to worshipping of dogs. Kukur (Dogs) are decorated with flower garland around their necks. Red tika is applied on their forehead. They also get to savour delicous meals. People request the dogs to guard their homes.
Day 3
Cows are worshipped on the third day of the Tihar. Cow is considered the mother of the universe according to Hindu traditions, and therefore a sacred animal. Tika is applied on her forehead, she is garlanded and offered nice things to eat. People place her manure in different parts of their houses. They drink a drop or two of the cow's urine, for they think that the action would purify them.
Laxmi Puja
Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, is worshipped with great zeal and faith. Whole country is illuminated with lights. Candle lights and oil lamps are traditionally used for the purpose. The 'puja' is usually performed at dusk, preferably by female. She makes a symbolic footprint outside the home with red mud and then walks to the room where the goddess is worshipped.
Bhailini Songs
Bhalini songs are played only on this day in the entire year. These are special songs which groups of girls sing together. They sing Bhailo door and door, and get money or homemade treats in return.
Day 4
Men sing Deusi or Deusuray songs. They are given money or refreshments. Arrival of the new year is also celebrated in Tihar. Ritual of Govardhan puja or Goru Tihar (Oxen Worshipping) is also observed. The religious proceedings of the fourth day are also known as mahapuja.
Day 5
Fifth day, also known as Bhai Tika, is the day of brothers and sisters. Sister applies red tika on the forehead of brother. An intriguing ritual is also followed. Sisters walk around the brothers three times dropping oil on the floor from a pitcher. Sisters pray for brothers' long life and prosperity while brothers offer gifts. Then delicious Tihar feast takes place in the households.
Teej
"Teej" is the fasting festival for women. It takes place in August or early September. The festival is a three-day long celebration that combines sumptuous feasts as well as rigid fasting. Through this religious fasting, hindu women pray for marital bliss, well being of their spouse and children and purification of their own body and soul.
Traditionally, the ritual of Teej is obligatory for all Hindu married women and girls who have reached puberty. Exception is made for the ones who are ill or physically unfit. In such circumstances a priest performs the rites. According to the holy books, the Goddess Parbati fasted and prayed fervently for the great Lord Shiva to become her spouse. Touched by her devotion, he took her for his wife. Goddess Parbati, in gratitude sent her emissary to preach and disseminate this religious fasting among mortal women, promising prosperity and longevity with their family. Thus was born the festival of Teej.
The first day of Teej is called the "Dar Khane Din". On this day the women, both married and unmarried, assemble at one place, in there finest attires and start dancing and singing devotional songs. Admist all this, the grand feast takes place. The jollity often goes on till midnight, after which the 24 - hour fast commences. Some women without a morsel of food or drops of water while others take liquid and fruit.
Gaily dressed women can be seen dancing and singing on the street leading to Shiva temples. But the main activities take place around the Pashupatinath temple where women circumambulate the Lingam, the phallic symbol of the lord, offering flowers, sweets and coins. The main puja (religious ceremony) takes place with offerings of flowers, fruits etc made to Shiva and Parbati, beseeching their blessing upon the husband and family. The important part of the puja is the oil lamp which should be alight throughout the night for it is bad omen if it dies away.
The third day of the festival is Rishi Panchami. After the completion of the previous day's puja, women pay homage to various deities and bathe with red mud found on the roots of the sacred Datiwan bush, along with its leaves. This act of purification is the final ritual of Teej, after which women are considered absolved from all sins. The recent years have witnessed alteration in the rituals, especially concerning the severity, but its essence remains. No matter how agonizing the fast may be Nepalese women have and will always continue to have faith in the austerities of Teej.
Janaipurnima
Janai Purniama festival is being celebrated by wearing new sacred thread throughout Nepal today.
The Janai Purnima festival which is also called "Raktchya Bandan", most of the Nepali Hindus visit the nearby temples or rivers to take bath and worship without eating food.
After the worship "pooja", there, in the temples or the riverside they wear the sacred thread "Janai" offered by the Hindu priest. They offer money or a present to the priest.
After wearing Janai they can have food. Changing of Sacred Thread is performed on Janai Purnima day. The old Sacred Thread is removed and a new sacred thread is worn on this day.
Many Hindu Pilgrims and worshippers visited Pashupathinath in Kathmandu, the biggest temple of the God Shiva and celebrated this festival.
Pashupatinath was crowded with pilgrims, who go to wear Janai. The priest offers Janai to them since early in morning.
People of all ages visited this temple and celebrated this festival.
Holi
Holi is celebrated with great pomp and show in Nepal. Celebrations lasts for a week in which the entire country gets drenched in the coloured water. Celebrations are of marked importance at Terai and also where Indian community mainly Marwaris have settled. Families and friends get together and celebrate the occasion with a lot of merry making.All over the streets people can be watched having fun, throwing colours and water-balloons, locally called 'lolas' on each other. Though play of colours takes place on the last day, a ceremonial pole called, 'chir' is installed on the first day. Chir is a bamboo pole fringed with strips of clothes representing good luck charms. As the pole is put up in the street at Basantapur, the festivities and worship commences for the week. At the end of the festivities chir is taken to a bonfire.There is a popular legend behind the installation of chir. The story is again about the mischievous nature of Krishna who just loved to pray pranks with the milkmaids or gopis. Playful as he was, it is said that once he seduced all the local girls with his dashing good looks. He then danced with them all and when they fully engrossed in him, then he thought they were ripe for a tease. He doused them in coloured water and stole all their clothes while they were bathing in the water of river Yamuna. Naughty Krishna then hung their clothes on a tree to bug them. Chir symbolizes that very tree. The other legends popular in India as that of Prahlad and his devilish father, Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap asked his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. However, Prahlad was saved for his extreme devotion by Lord Vishnu while Holika paid a price for her sinister desires. Every year just as in India people in Nepal light a bonfire- called Holika to mark the victory of good over evil.Also known is the legend of Pootana who tried to kill infant Krishna by feeding her poisonous milk on the direction of devil hearted uncle of Krishna called Kansa.
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