Dashain is observed through a series of important days, family gatherings and regional traditions. Ghatasthapana begins the festival sequence, while many families especially look forward to visiting elders for tika, jamara and blessings on Vijaya Dashami.
A festival with many local traditions
Dashain is celebrated by many Hindu families in Nepal and by Nepali communities abroad. There is no single schedule of household customs that describes everyone: rituals, foods and the people visited can differ across communities and regions. The outline below explains several widely recognized moments in the festival.
Ghatasthapana: the beginning
Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of the Dashain observance period for many families. A vessel is established for worship, and jamara—young shoots commonly grown from barley and other grains—is sown and cared for. The plants are kept until they are offered during the later celebrations.
Phulpati, Maha Astami and Maha Nawami
As the festival progresses, Phulpati, Maha Astami and Maha Nawami each have their own religious and cultural significance. Worship of Durga is central for many devotees; particular ceremonies and practices vary by place and tradition. In Kathmandu Valley and elsewhere, public rituals may also take place alongside family observances.
Vijaya Dashami: visiting elders
Vijaya Dashami is a major day for family visits. Many people receive tika and jamara from elders along with blessings. Relatives may travel from other towns or countries to gather, and the visits can continue beyond a single day according to family custom.
Kite flying, village swings, new clothes and shared meals are also part of Dashain for many people. These activities are not universal requirements; they are examples of how the festival is lived in different settings.
Check the dates for this year
The festival follows the Nepali calendar, so its Gregorian dates change each year. KhataPal's Dashain guide uses published calendar records for its event dates. You can also open the Nepali calendar to see each event on its date, or visit public holidays to distinguish public holidays from observances.