SUBMITTED TO:

SURAJ STHAPIT SIR

DASHAIN AND SUBMITTED BY:

v SUBAN BHATTARAI

TIHAR IN
v SMRITI SHRESTHA
v SANGYA RAI
v SAMJHANA KARKI

NEPAL
v SAUGAT SHRESTHA
DASHAIN FESTIVAL
THE IMPORTANCE OF DASHAIN
IN NEPALESE CULTURE
• Dashain, celebrated with incredible passion, has a special place in the
hearts of Nepalese people. It is more than just a religious festival; it is a
cultural spectacle that brings together Nepal's different ethnic groups
and communities. This event, held in September or October, honors
Goddess Durga's victory over the monster Mahishasura, representing
the triumph of good over evil.
• Dashain revolves around the worship of Goddess Durga, who is revered
as the nation's divine protector. The festival runs for 15 days, with Vijaya
Dashami being the most important. On this day, the elders bless their
younger family members with good fortune, health, and happiness by
giving them Tika and Jamara (barley grass).
GODDESS DURGA AND MAHISASURA

• In Hindu mythology, a powerful demon named Mahishasura caused destruction and sorrow on Earth.
The gods, unable to face this terrible force separately, combined their divine energies to create the
warrior goddess Durga. Durga, armed with celestial armaments, battled Mahishasura for nine days and
nine nights. On the tenth day, she emerged victorious, defeating the demon and restoring peace and
order to the world. Dashain celebrates this victory, with the first nine days dedicated to the worship of
Durga in her different forms. The climax day, known as Vijaya Dashami, is a joyous celebration of her
victory over evil.
GHATASTHAPANA: THE COMMENCEMENT OF
FESTIVITIES

• Ghatasthapana, the first day of the Dashain Festival, kicks off the 15-day celebration with important
rites and customs that are deeply embedded in Nepalese culture.

• Preparation of the Altar: The essential act of Ghatasthapana is the installation of a sacred sand and soil
altar, which is usually put in a prayer room or a clean, quiet area of the house.
• Sowing Seeds: After preparing the altar, seeds of barley, wheat, or corn are sowed on the surface. These
seeds, known as "Jamara," must be properly cared for over the 15-day festival.
• The praising of Goddess Durga is central to the Ghatasthapana ritual. Durga, the celestial personification
of power, strength, and protection, is fiercely adored during Dashain.​
• Astrological Considerations: Ghatasthapana is properly timed according to astrological calculations.
• Ghatasthapana marks the start of the Dashain Festival, which has deep religious and cultural
importance. The rituals and practices observed on this day set the tone for the following festivals,
seeking Goddess Durga's blessings for a happy and joyous Dashain.
MAHA ASTHAMI: A DAY DEDICATED TO
GODDESS KALI

• Maha Asthami, the eighth day of the Dashain Festival, honors Goddess Kali, one of Durga's ferocious
and powerful incarnations. This day is observed with special prayers, offerings, and the practice of
animal sacrifices in temples and houses throughout Nepal. The ceremonies and traditions linked with
Maha Asthami are:

• Worship of Goddess Kali: On Maha Asthami, followers worship Goddess Kali, who is said to symbolize
the destructive power of time and the energy that destroys evil.
• Animal Sacrifices: One important rite on Maha Asthami is the offering of animal sacrifices, particularly
goats, buffaloes, and chickens.
MAHA NAVAMI: HONORING THE MANY
FORMS OF GODDESS DURGA
• Maha Navami, the ninth day of the Dashain Festival, honors Goddess Durga and her various
incarnations. This day is honored with special prayers, offerings, and animal sacrifices in temples and
homes throughout Nepal. The ceremonies and traditions linked with Maha Navami are:

• Goddess Durga Worship: On Maha Navami, devotees pray to Goddess Durga in various forms, light
lamps or incense, and make sacrifices in order to seek her blessings and protection.
• Worship of Tools and Instruments: In addition to the worship of weapons on Maha Asthami, Maha
Navami celebrates the tools, instruments, and equipment needed in many professions. This practice is
often referred to as "Vishwakarma Puja."
VIJAYA DASHAMI: THE GRAND CELEBRATION
OF VICTORY
• Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of the Dashain Festival, is a great celebration honoring the ultimate
victory of good over evil. It represents the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
• Receiving Tika and Blessings from seniors: Vijaya Dashami is a family gathering day on which younger
members receive Tika from their seniors. Tika is a combination of rice, yogurt, and vermilion that is
placed to the forehead as a blessing.

• Family Reunions & Gatherings: During Vijaya Dashami, people fly back to their hometowns and
ancestral homes to spend time with their loved ones.
• Kite Flying and Cultural Programs: In addition to family-oriented celebrations, Vijaya Dashami is
celebrated with a variety of outdoor activities, including kite flying.
DASHAIN FOOD AND FEASTING

• No Nepali holiday is complete without a variety of tasty delicacies. Dashain is no exception, with the
festival's cuisine playing an important role in the festivities. During this season, traditional Nepali
delicacies such as "sel roti" (ring-shaped rice bread), "khasi ko masu" (goat meat curry), "aloo tama"
(potato and bamboo stalk curry), and "sukuti" (dried meat) are abundantly produced. The feast provides
an opportunity to indulge in culinary pleasures while also strengthening family relationships.
DASHAIN GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

• Dashain offers a variety of interesting games and activities. Kite flying is one of their most popular
activities. The bright skies, colorful kites, and thrill of severing an opponent's string make it an exciting
pastime. Card games, notably "marriage," are a popular way to spend time with family and friends.
DASHAIN DECORATIONS AND SYMBOLS

• The festival is celebrated with the presentation of "Jamara," which is barley grass cultivated in a clay
pot. This Jamara represents good fortune and wealth, and it is frequently presented by elders to
younger family members. Another important symbol of Dashain is the "Tika," a blend of yogurt, rice,
and vermillion that is applied to family members' foreheads as a blessing.
DASHAIN SHOPPING AND PREPARATION

• The week leading up to Dashain is a busy time in Nepal. People go on extended shopping trips to buy
new outfits and gifts for their loved ones. Markets are overflowing with vivid clothing, jewelry, and
other festival essentials. Homes have been cleaned and restored, and the mood is packed with
excitement.

• Families begin arranging their feasts, and the buying of animals for sacrifice begins far in advance. The
Dashain season is a time for spiritual and material preparations, which fosters a sense of excitement and
unity.
PICTURES AND
VIDEO
TIHAR FESTIVAL
INTRODUCTION

• The Tihar occasion in Nepal, also known as Deepawali and Yamapanchak,

is the second-largest event after Dashain. It is a five-day holiday mostly
observed by Hindus all around the world.

• This event occurs in the month of Kartik (October or November). Tihar

festival is about more than just people's celebrations; it is also about how
people respect specific animals, such as crows, dogs, cows, and oxen.
STORY OF RAM AND RAVANA

• The people of Ayodhya welcomed their beloved king and queen, Ram and Sita, with open arms. Ram's
subjects always believed that he was the true owner of the Ayodhya throne. Bharata, who had ruled the
country for 14 years at Ram's request and awaited his return, was ecstatic. On the dark night of
'Amavasya', people lit lamps and decorated the entire Ayodhya with rows of 'diyas' (earthen clay pots).

• Sweets were provided to all households, and a big feast was thrown in honor of Ram. This is the day
that we still celebrate as Diwali. The day is observed to convey the idea of the ultimate triumph of good
over evil and light over darkness.
DAY 1: KAAG TIHAR

• On the first day of Tihar, people worship crows, known as Kaag in Nepali. Crows are considered sacred
as the "Messenger of Death" in Nepali civilization, and people worship them by putting grains and
sweets on their roofs.
• The cawing of the crow is thought to represent the expectation of receiving terrible news in the near
future. On the first day of the Tihar Festival, people feed crows to prevent different serious things from
happening throughout the year.
DAY 2: KUKUR TIHAR
• The second day of the Tihar festival is called Kukur Tihar, also known as Dog Tihar. On this day, Nepalis
honour dogs for their commitment to humans. At Nepal's Dog Festival, people decorate their dogs with
Tika and marigold garlands and provide them with tasty meals.

• The dog festival in Nepal is well-known around the world, particularly in Western society, as it
demonstrates the respect and connection between dogs and humans.

• Nepal Police also hold similar ceremonies on this day of the Tihar festival since dogs play an important
role in investigations and provide security to our society.

• On the other hand, the dog (Kukur) Tihar is also known as Khicha Puja, which is observed by Newars.
DAY 3: GAI TIHAR AND LAXMI PUJA
• The third day of the Tihar celebration is celebrated as Gai (Cow) Tihar and Laxmi Puja. On this day,
people worship cows and goddess Laxmi. Cow is Nepal's national animal. Cows are considered sacred to
Hindus.
• On this day, people frequently clean their homes and surroundings, particularly the windows and doors,
which are decked with Marigold flowers.

• In the evening, they worship Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, by burning oil lamps (Diyo) and candles
throughout the house.

• People worship Laxmi to express gratitude for all of the prosperity and benefits she has bestowed upon
them and their families. They also ask Goddess Laxmi for greater fortune on this day.
THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT, THE FEMALES FROM THE LOCAL
COMMUNITY VISIT EACH HOUSE IN THE AREA TO PERFORM
BHAILO (A CULTURAL PROGRAM HELD DURING THE TIHAR
FESTIVAL).

IN EXCHANGE, THE HOUSE OWNER GIVES THEM MONEY

AND SWEETS. AFTER NEARLY FINISHING THE NIGHT, THE
GIRLS DISTRIBUTE THE MONEY AND THINGS THEY
RECEIVED FROM OTHERS AMONG THEMSELVES.
DAY 4: GORU TIHAR AND MHA PUJA
• On the fourth day of Tihar, people do three separate pujas. People all around Nepal largely worship OX, also known as Goru
Tihar.

• Vaishnavism devotees utilize cow dung to create goverdan mountains and worship them, a practice known as Govardhan
Puja.

• On the other hand, Kathmandu's Newar community celebrates Mha Puja, Nepal's self-worshipping holiday. This day also
marks the beginning of Nepal's national lunar calendar, the Nepal Sambat Calendar.

• Furthermore, at night, boys meet to play Deusi, which involves visiting the neighborhood in the same way that girls play
Bhailo. Typically, a boy narrates a story about the Tihar celebration while singing a tune accompanied by a chorus of people.
• Furthermore, at night, boys meet to play Deusi, which involves visiting the neighborhood in the
same way that girls play Bhailo. Typically, a boy narrates a story about the Tihar celebration
while singing a tune accompanied by a chorus of people.
• They spend the night visiting all of the houses in the town and collecting monies, which they either
divide among themselves or utilize for social welfare purposes.
DAY 5: BHAI TIKA
• Bhai Tika is the fifth and last day of the Tihar festival. It's the most awaited and crucial day of the entire
festival.

• In Nepali, Bhai means Brother. The sister places Tika on the brother's forehead and prays to Yama, the
God of Death, for the brother's health, growth, and longevity.

• After Tika, the sister delivers gifts for the brothers, such as roti, fruits, and sweets. In exchange, the
brother places tikas on his sister's forehead and hands over the present, which may be items or a large
quantity of money.
• People remember the last day of Tihar by singing, playing cards, participating in deusi (a cultural
program held in local villages), and lighting up the sky with fireworks. In exchange, the house owner
bestowed blessings on the Deusi Team, including money and things.

• Rani Pokhari Temple is Nepal's only temple that opens once a year on the fifth day of Tihar. Typically,
persons who do not have a brother or sister attend Rani Pokhari Temple for the occasion Bhai Tika.
•

• They find a brother or sister over the temple, form a family, and celebrate Nepal's most popular
celebration.
HOW PEOPLE CELEBRATE TIHAR
FESTIVAL IN NEPAL
• There are a few things people usually do as a celebration during Tihar. we are
going to list some of the popular things here.
• Deusi Bhailo is a cultural entertainment program in which a group of
individuals sing a song, dance, and collect gifts and money from neighborhood
residences. Deusi Bhailo is a popular activity among children in which they
wander throughout the community collecting money and gifts.
• To greet the goddess Laxmi, people light fireworks in their homes. It is a
widespread tradition in Nepal.
• Playing cards is popular during the Tihar festival, particularly among adults and
the elderly. People spend the entire night playing cards and betting for
entertainment. This is one way people in Nepal celebrate the Tihar Festival.
• Playing Dice: Dice is another popular game. It is popular among young
people. They put a lot of money into this endeavor. Some win a large sum
of money, while others may lose.
• Swing: Following the Dashain Festival, the swing remains preserved and is
enjoyed by everyone, particularly children, throughout the Tihar Festival.
THANK YOU