DASHAIN: AN EXPERIENCE

Dashain or Vijaya Dasami or Dashera is the greatest festival of the Hindu religion followers. The festival is celebrated for 15 days worshipping the goddess Durga. It usually falls in the month of Ashwin or Kartik.

Dashain is also known as Durga Puja since the festival celebrates the victory of  the goddess Durga over  the forces of evil in the guise of the buffalo demon, Maishasur since Durga is a blood thirsty goddess, the festival is marked by sacrificing thousands of cocks, ducks, he-goats, and he-buffaloes in the temples. Similarly, Dashain is also called Vijaya Dashami, marking the victory of Ram over the demon king, Rawan.

Dashain is celebrated for 15 days. The first important day is Gatasthapana. On this day, a sacred jar of water is prepared in each house. Likewise, barley seeds are kept in a dark place so that while spourting the seedlings become yellow. These yellow seedlings are called Jamara. Though my exam was going on during first 3 days of Dashain, on this day I visited Gujeshwori in the morning at 5:00 o’clock with my mother. There were many people in a queue, waiting for their turn. I also stood in a queue, waiting for their turn. Finally, after standing half an hour my turn came and I worshipped goddess and returned home. I also planted holy seed called Jamara. And then I went to school to give my exam.

As soon as my exam completed, I went to Navarat with my mother, brothers and sister. I also went to buy new clothes. I visited 9 temples named Gujeshwori, Sankata, Kalbhairav, Mankal, Bhadrakali, Maitidevi, Bhimsenthan, Swobhabhagwati and Naksalbhagwati. While worshipping these temples I stood in a queue for long hours.

The seventh day is called Phulpati which means the “Day of Flowers”. Maha Ashtami or the Great Eight Day or Kala Ratri or the Black Night or the Nawa Ratri follows Phulpati.

 On this day I visited Halumandhoka but it was all destroyed by the recent earthquake. Similarly, goats and buffaloes are sacrificed in every homes and temples to please goddess Bhagwati. I also celebrated Phulpati by eating meat in my house but we didn’t sacrificed goats and buffaloes or anything else because it is not allowed by our culture. But, our neighbours sacrificed goats. Seeing that, I was so scared.

The tenth day is the most important day of all which is also called “Tika Day” or “Vijaya Dashami”. On this day, I received red rice tika from my elders and lots of blessings of long live and prosperity by marking Tika on my forehead and Jamara on my head. Similarly, I also went to my maternal uncle’s and relatives house for getting blessings. Not only that, I also gave blessings to my younger brothers. I went to Aashan, Dallu. Balaju and so on for putting Tika.

While visiting to Balaju it became so difficult for us because of the lack of petrol. Me and my family went there by walking. We had to walk a long distance just to reach our destiny but also it became too much fun. It has become one of the memorable moment in my life which I can’t forget.  On that day, I knew that,“ the Nepalese people are surviving on their own will though they are facing lots of problem. They are the one who has not gave up till now. They can face each and every problems and are proud of being Nepalese people.” Despite, this Dashain didn’t became so effective than the last years Dashain because  of the blockade made by India.

During Dashain, I cleaned and washed my house. I wore new clothes and ate delicious food. I also played swings, cards and flew kites for fun. I would recall those days.

In conclusion, although Dashain is expensive and is “dasa”, it is such a festival that provides a chance to meet people and reunite family during the holiday fron Phulpati to Dwadashi.

a group pic with my family