Dashain
Also called Bada Dashain, Vijaya Dashami
Nepal's longest festival, and everyone goes home
What it is
September or October, about 15 days long
Dashain is Nepal's biggest and longest festival, about 15 days. Hindus believe it marks the goddess Durga's win over the demon Mahishasura. People who live far away travel back to their families, and schools and offices close for days.
How people celebrate
On the first day, Ghatasthapana, families plant barley seeds in a pot to grow jamara, yellow sprouts.
On Vijaya Dashami, elders put a red tika on younger relatives' foreheads and give blessings and a little money.
Kids fly kites, since Dashain comes during kite season.
Villages build tall bamboo swings called ping, and everyone takes a turn.
Families play cards and eat a lot of meat dishes, especially goat.
What people eat
- Khasi ko masu
- Goat curry, the main dish of Dashain for a lot of families.
- Sel roti
- Ring-shaped fried rice bread.
- Sekuwa
- Spiced meat grilled on skewers.
Did you know?
The Dashain tika is made from rice, yogurt and red powder, and the jamara sprouts get tucked behind the ear.