Dashain

As the monsoon rains recede and the crisp, clear skies of autumn emerge, typically in September or October, Kathmandu eagerly embraces Dashain, Nepal’s longest and most significant Hindu festival. Spanning fifteen days, Dashain is a profound celebration of the triumph of good over evil, commemorating Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. The festival begins with “Ghatasthapana,” where families sow barley seeds in a sacred pot, nurturing them into yellow grass known as “Jamara.” The air fills with the sounds of traditional Malshree dhoon music, and homes are meticulously cleaned and adorned. The highlight is “Bijaya Dashami,” the tenth day, when elders apply “Tika” (a mix of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) and offer Jamara to younger relatives, bestowing blessings for prosperity and longevity. This period is marked by joyous family reunions, elaborate feasts of traditional dishes like Sel Roti and mutton curries, the lively spectacle of colorful kites soaring across the clear blue skies, and the communal fun of traditional bamboo swings (ping), all fostering a deep sense of unity and cultural pride as the landscape cools towards winter.