Dashain: Nepal’s Grandest Festival and Its Celebration in Newar Culture
Dashain (दशैं), the most significant festival in Nepal, is celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur across the country. It is a time for family reunions, rituals, and joyous festivities that span ten days in the month of Aswin (September–October). Among the Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley, Dashain is known as Mohani (मोहनी) or Mohani Nakha (Nakha, नख means festival in Newari language) , and it holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, integrating both Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
For the Newars, Mohani is not just a festival of victory but also a time for ancestral reverence, purification rituals, and strengthening familial bonds. This festival unites people of different faiths and backgrounds, as both Buddhist and Hindu Newars actively participate in the rituals and celebrations. The festival is deeply rooted in the worship of divine power (Shakti), symbolized by Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil forces, and it is also associated with various local deities worshipped within Newar households and community shrines.
The Unique Traditions of Dashain
The desire for victory is a natural aspect of life, as every living being strives to rise above competition and assert its individuality. This is why people take great interest in listening to and sharing tales of triumph. Dashain, the grandest festival in Nepal, is deeply rooted in two significant victory stories: one from the Devi Mahatmya (देवी माहात्म्यम्) and the other from the Ramayana (रामायण).
The primary story behind Dashain is the legendary battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu scriptures, Mahishasura was a powerful demon who had received a boon from Lord Brahma, making him nearly invincible, no man or god could defeat him. With his newfound strength, he unleashed terror upon the heavens and earth, overpowering the gods and establishing his rule. Desperate for a savior, the gods combined their divine energies to create Goddess Durga, the supreme warrior goddess. Armed with celestial weapons and riding a fierce lion, Durga waged a nine-day battle against Mahishasura. On the tenth day, she vanquished the demon, restoring balance and righteousness to the world. This day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Throughout Nepal, people worship Goddess Durga in her various forms during the ten-day festival, seeking her blessings for strength, prosperity, and protection.
The second victory tale associated with Dashain comes from the Ramayana. Lord Ram of Ayodhya endured countless hardships for many years, gathering immense strength and patience to ultimately defeat the mighty demon king Ravan of Lanka. With the blessings of Goddess Durga and the aid of Hanuman and his army, Ram waged a great battle against Ravan, culminating in his victory on Vijaya Dashami. His conquest symbolizes the power of truth, devotion, and righteousness over tyranny and evil.
Given these deep associations with triumph, it is only natural for Nepali people to feel a profound connection to Dashain. The festival serves as a reminder that victory is not easily achieved, it demands immense power, devotion, and perseverance. But what is power, and how is it attained? The concept of power is vast and mysterious, making it difficult to define in simple terms. In ancient times, Lanka was a formidable kingdom, and Ram’s conquest of it required both physical and spiritual strength. Similarly, Durga’s battle against Mahishasura was not just a physical confrontation but also a cosmic struggle between divine order and chaos.
Since the true nature of power is difficult to explain in mere words, ancient scholars and sages have depicted Lord Ram as an incarnation of the omnipotent Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga as the divine embodiment of Shakti (cosmic energy). While different religious traditions have their own interpretations, the fundamental theme of Dashain remains the celebration of power, righteousness, and victory over darkness.
Significance of Each Day in Mohani/Dashain
Mohani/Dashain is celebrated for ten days, each with unique rituals and traditions.
Day 1: Ghatasthapana (Pratipada) – Planting of Jamara (Nali Swa in Newari)
The festival begins with Ghatasthapana (घटस्थापना) on Pratipada, where families plant Jamara, Nali Swa in Newari, using barley/corn seeds. The sacred sprout symbolizes prosperity and is used in the final-day rituals. A Kalash (sacred water vessel) is placed in the prayer room, invoking Goddess Durga’s presence.
Day 2-7: Continuing Rituals & Devotion
During these days, families perform daily prayers and worship Goddess Durga, preparing for the grand celebrations ahead. Newars also visit local temples and shrines, making offerings to deities.
Day 8: Ashtami – Grand Feast (Kuchhi Bhwey)
The eighth day, Ashtami, is marked by Kuchhi Bhwey (कुछी भ्वेय), a special Newar feast where each person is served a meal measured by Kuchhi (2 Mana or 1 Kilogram) of beaten rice, baji (बजी) in Newari and chiura (चिउरा) in Nepali. The feast includes a variety of meat, fish, and ceremonial dishes, enjoyed in the company of family members.
Day 9: Nawami (Shyakwo Tyakwo) – Worship of Vehicles & Machinery
On the ninth day, Nawani, known as Shyakwo Tyakwo (श्याक्वो त्याक्वो) in Newari, people worship vehicles, tools, and machinery, ensuring their longevity and protection. Temples of Goddess Durga are crowded with devotees offering prayers. In the evening, another grand feast is held in Newar households.
Day 10: Vijaya Dashami – Tika Ceremony, Family Gatherings & Rituals
The final and grandest tenth day of the festival, Vijaya Dashami, known in Newari as Chaalan (चालं), is celebrated with family gatherings, kite flying, and religious ceremonies. The Tika ceremony is the most important ritual of the day, where elders bless younger family members by applying Tika – a sacred mixture of red vermilion, rice, and yogurt, on their foreheads. Along with the Tika, Jamara/Nali Swa is placed behind the ears as a symbol of blessing and prosperity.
After the Red Rice Tika, a special Mohani Sina (सिन) is applied by the eldest family member on the forehead of each family member. Sina is the Newari term for Tika in Nepali, and Mohani Sina is a unique Black Tika prepared specifically for the Mohani festival. It is made from the soot of an oil lamp and is believed to ward off negative energies and protect from all evil forces. This ritual adds a significant spiritual layer to the celebration, symbolizing both blessings and protection for the coming year.
After receiving both the Red Rice Tika and Mohani Sina, families enjoy a final, grand feast to conclude the festival.
Special Newar Ritual on Dashami
In Newar families, a unique tradition is performed on Dashami:
- The family head worships a sword and decorates a wax gourd (Bhui Phasi in Newari, Kubhindo in Nepali) to represent Mahishasura, the defeated demon.
- Male family members take turns cutting the wax gourd into small pieces with the sword, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
- The pieces are thrown outside the house, signifying purification and prosperity for the family.
Mohani/Dashain is a time of spiritual renewal, cultural celebration, and family bonding. The Newars of Kathmandu Valley uniquely celebrate it, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Whether through the worship of Goddess Durga, ancestral reverence, or grand feasts, this festival remains a cherished and unifying event in Nepalese society.
The Quest for Power in Human Civilization
Throughout history, human civilization has been in an unending quest for supreme power. Ancient Eastern philosophers were profoundly influenced by the mysterious wonders of nature, believing that nature itself contained an infinite, hidden force. In their pursuit of understanding this supreme power, they adopted various methods of spiritual practice. These philosophical explorations laid the foundation for the worship of divine forces, which has become an integral part of Dashain celebrations.
Victory is directly linked to power. The Shaiva tradition worships Goddess Durga and other divine feminine forms, while Buddhist traditions have their own interpretations of power, worshipping deities like Yoginis and Vidyadharis. This is why, during Dashain, different religious sects engage in rituals dedicated to their respective goddesses. The cultural depth of Dashain is further highlighted in dramatic reenactments of Lanka’s downfall, in which devotees from all traditions pay homage to their chosen deities.
The Influence of Tantric Traditions in Dashain
The role of Tantric traditions in Dashain has been significant since ancient times. A remarkable example of this is the grand idol of Goddess Bhagwati at Palanchowk, established during the reign of Lichhavi King Manadeva in Bikram Sambat 560 (CE 503). This idol is considered a powerful representation of divine energy, created to make the concept of power more tangible to ordinary people. The image of the Ashtadashabhuj Bhagwati (Eighteen-Armed Goddess) was designed to symbolize the vastness of power in a practical form.
Our ancestors, who worshipped divine power, were not only captivated by the goddess during ancient times but also deeply influenced by her presence during the Malla era. This is evident from the grandeur of the Taleju Bhavani temple and other sacred Agam (Tantric) chambers within the palaces of Malla kings, which continue to stand as historical testimonies of their devotion.
Interestingly, even though Dashain involves extensive worship and animal sacrifices, the sanctum of Goddess Bhagwati does not contain a physical idol. Instead, a symbolic sacred kalash (water-filled vessel) is installed, featuring an inverted triangle as its central emblem. This representation, deeply rooted in Tantric traditions, signifies the true nature of power, which is beyond physical form. While goddess images are widely revered, Tantric practitioners believe that true power resides within the sacred inverted triangle, which is described extensively in Tantric scriptures.
The Role of Goddess Worship in Dashain
Goddess worship holds a special place in Dashain. The deity Vanakali Kali reflects the diverse spiritual beliefs of the Lichhavi period. Similarly, Buddhist Tantric traditions venerate deities like Vajrayogini, though very few ancient statues of such goddesses from the Lichhavi era have been discovered. However, numerous temples and statues of Tantric deities, established during the Malla period, can still be found across Nepal.
Buddhist devotees worship these goddesses, often referred to as Yoginis or Vidyadharis with immense reverence. Since victory is a universal aspiration, the tale of Lanka’s conquest has transcended its historical roots and evolved into a symbolic celebration of triumph for all of Aryavarta (ancient India and Nepal). Consequently, Hindus across different regions observe Dashain as Vijaya Dashami, a day that commemorates the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
The Evolution of Dashain Traditions
Over time, Dashain has not only retained its spiritual essence but has also incorporated practical elements of power worship. For example, warriors and soldiers depend on their weapons for strength, which is why military institutions conduct rituals to honor their arms and banners. Inspired by Malla traditions, the Kharga Jatra (Sword Parade) is performed at specific locations. Similarly, artists worship their tools, scholars pay homage to their books, doctors revere their medicines, and weavers honor their looms. This widespread reverence for the sources of one’s livelihood highlights Dashain’s true essence, celebrating the forces that empower individuals in their respective fields.
Although Dashain is celebrated with great devotion in India as well, certain Nepali traditions, such as Kharga Jatra and the worship of books in intellectual households, are unique to Nepal. This distinct cultural identity sets Nepal apart, as it embraces the worship of knowledge, art, wealth, weapons, and wisdom, all of which symbolize different aspects of power.
Conclusion: The Growing Significance of Dashain
The significance of Dashain continues to grow within society. Every year, as the festival arrives and departs, it leaves behind a lasting impact on people’s hearts. Dashain is widely celebrated across Nepal as a time for renewal, blessings, and devotion.
One of the main aspects of Dashain is the worship of Goddess Durga, who is revered as the supreme protector and the embodiment of power (Shakti). According to Hindu tradition, Durga fought a fierce battle against the demon Mahishasura, who had terrorized the heavens and earth. Over nine days of battle, she displayed her divine strength in different forms and ultimately vanquished Mahishasura on the tenth day, restoring cosmic balance. The festival is a time when people honor her victory by offering prayers, conducting rituals, and receiving blessings for strength, prosperity, and protection. Temples and homes across Nepal are adorned with offerings to Durga, signifying the faith that people place in her divine power.
Dashain is also associated with the legendary victory of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravan in Lanka. As described in the Ramayana, Ram, waged a long and arduous battle against Ravan, ultimately defeating him and rescuing Sita. His triumph is celebrated as a symbol of righteousness (Dharma) prevailing over evil. During Dashain, people recall this story through religious ceremonies, seeking inspiration from Ram’s devotion, perseverance, and commitment to justice.
The festival unites people in devotion and celebration, reinforcing the belief that divine power guides and protects them. Whether through the worship of Durga or the remembrance of Ram’s victory, Dashain remains a profound cultural and spiritual event that strengthens familial and societal bonds. As the festival continues to be observed year after year, its message of strength, righteousness, and protection remains deeply embedded in the hearts of the people, ensuring that Dashain’s significance endures for generations to come.
References
- Nepali Chad-Parbaharu Ko Bibechana, Mana Bajra Bajracharya, 1968