Dashai

Among many festivals one among them is Dashain. Dashain is generally celebrated by the Hindus but the people who follow other religions except the Hinduism are also found to be enjoying by celebrating this festival. It is normally celebrated in Ashwin or Kartik.
Dashain is celebrated as the greatest national festival in Nepal. This festival is believed to be the symbol of victory of virtue over sin, according to the mythology. It has been celebrated since Lord Ramchandra got victory over demon king Ravan. It is believed that Ramchandra was able to make Goddess Durga content with him by worshipping her. That's why he was blessed and empowered. Therefore Dashain is viewed to be deeply rooted to antiquity. Dashain is believed to have a historical as well as cultural significance accordingly.
This festival is also called ‘Bada Dashain’. It generally falls in September according to the lunar calendar. It is generally celebrated for 15 days but all the days are not equally important. The tenth day is the most important day. The first day is called ‘Ghatasthapana’. On this day, people sow the seeds of barley, maize, wheat to use the seedlings of these seeds during this festival. The seedlings are called ‘Jamara’. Jamara is like flowers. Building, temples and arms as well are cleaned and purified during this festival. The seventh day is said ‘Phulpati’. On the day and onwards, Goddess ‘Durga’ is especially worshipped. The eighth day and ninth day are called ‘Ashtmai’ and ‘Mahanavami’ respectively. On the days, goats, sheep, he-buffaloes, cocks, ducks etc. are sacrificed and offered to Goddess Durga. The tenth day is known as ‘Vijaya Dashami’. On the day, all the junior family members and relatives get red mark, we call ‘Tika’, on the forehead from their seniors. The juniors are heartily blessed believing Goddess Durga as the witness. They are also offered flowers and Jamara along with red mark. The fifteenth day is called ‘Kojagrata Purnima’. It is the last day.
People enjoy numerous types of foods during this festival. Especially children seem to be very happy because it is highly enjoyable for them. The children are provided with new and attractive clothes. They enjoy various types of games because they get completely leisure time. All the family members get together. All the government offices, schools, colleges and non-government organization as well get closed during this festival. All the relatives, family members and society members as well can share their feelings and experience from which brotherhood, friendship, co-operation etc. get strengthened. In fact, this festival hands over symbolic significance to the human civilization