Dashain Festival: Nepal’s Grandest Celebration – Traditions in the Homeland and Darjeeling’s Gorkha Hills

Namaste from the enchanting hills of Darjeeling! As your Gorkha Haat writer, with the crisp autumn air carrying whispers of upcoming festivities and the sight of kites dotting the sky over Chowrasta, nothing excites me more than Dashain – our biggest, longest, and most joyous festival. Also known as Durga Puja or Dasain, this 15-day extravaganza honours Goddess Durga’s victory over evil, symbolising the triumph of good over darkness.

In Nepal, Dashain is a national spectacle that brings the entire country to a joyful standstill. Here in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, and among our Indian Gorkha community, it’s celebrated with the same fervour but infused with our unique hill spirit – a beautiful blend of Nepali roots and local adaptations. Whether it’s the red tika on foreheads or the aroma of goat curry wafting through tea gardens, Dashain binds us to our heritage. Let’s explore its mythology, rituals, and how this festival dances differently in Nepal’s bustling valleys and our misty mountains.

The Mythology and Significance of Dashain

Dashain commemorates Goddess Durga’s epic battle against the buffalo demon Mahishasura, embodying the eternal victory of dharma over adharma. In another tale, Lord Rama invoked Durga to defeat Ravana – hence Vijaya Dashami (victorious tenth day).

For families, it’s about renewal: receiving blessings from elders, strengthening bonds, and welcoming prosperity. In Nepal, it’s the time when villages empty as people return home. In Darjeeling’s Gorkha community, it’s a powerful reminder of our Nepali identity, often coinciding with school holidays and army leaves, turning our hills into a sea of red tika and khada scarves.

Timing: The Lunar Calendar Magic

Dashain spans 15 days from Ghatasthapana (bright fortnight of Ashwin) to Purnima (full moon), usually September-October.

Key days:

• Day 1: Ghatasthapana – Sowing jamara

• Day 7: Fulpati – Sacred offerings

• Day 8: Maha Asthami – Animal sacrifices peak

• Day 9: Maha Navami – Durga worshipped intensely

• Day 10: Vijaya Dashami – Tika and blessings begin

• **Days 11–15: Tika continues till full moon

Both regions follow the same lunar dates, but Nepal declares national holidays for the full period, while Darjeeling enjoys state holidays with local flair.

Preparations: Building Anticipation

Weeks before, homes are cleaned, new clothes bought (especially daura suruwal, gunyu cholo, or saris), and markets buzz with activity.

In Nepal: Massive shopping in Kathmandu’s Asan or village haat bazaars.
In Darjeeling: Chowk Bazaar and local markets overflow with marigolds, jamara pots, and khada – plus Darjeeling tea as gifts!

Kite flying (changa cheit) and bamboo swings (linge ping) start early – symbols of joy and freedom.

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The Rituals Day by Day – Nepal vs Darjeeling

Ghatasthapana: Planting Jamara

Holy water in a kalash, barley seeds sown in sand – jamara (yellow sprouts) symbolise growth.

Similar in both, but Darjeeling homes often use smaller pots due to space.

Fulpati: Seventh Day Parade

In Nepal: Grand procession in Kathmandu with royal traditions (even post-monarchy).
In Darjeeling: Quiet home puja, sometimes community events at temples.

Asthami and Navami: Kali Puja and Sacrifices

Blood offerings to Durga – goats, buffaloes at temples.

Nepal: Massive sacrifices at places like Dakshinkali.
Darjeeling: More moderate – family goats or chickens; many Gorkhas opt for symbolic coconut or pumpkin due to urban life and animal welfare awareness.

Vijaya Dashami: The Pinnacle

Elders apply tika (red rice-yoghurt mix) and jamara on juniors’ foreheads, with blessings and dakshina (money/gifts).

In Nepal: Long queues at elders’ homes, massive family reunions.
In Darjeeling: Intimate gatherings, but community tika events at mani grounds or army barracks – reflecting our close-knit diaspora life.

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Kojagrata Purnima: Final Day

Awakening Lakshmi with night vigils.

Food and Feasts: The Delicious Heart

Dashain means meat! Goat curry, sel roti, beaten rice, sweets.

Nepal: Heavy on buffalo meat in some regions.
Darjeeling: Pork curries, momos, thukpa join the spread – our hill fusion shines.

Cultural Importance: Unity and Renewal

In Nepal: National integration, reinforcing Hindu identity.
In Darjeeling: Powerful cultural assertion for Gorkhas – mass tika ceremonies during Gorkhaland movements symbolised solidarity.

Modern Adaptations

• Virtual tika for diaspora

• Eco-friendly: Less sacrifice, more charity

• Darjeeling: Resort celebrations, professional photos, combined with Durga Puja pandals

Key Differences at a Glance

As Kanchenjunga glows under the full moon, Dashain reminds us that victory belongs to the righteous – and family bonds are unbreakable. Whether in Kathmandu’s chaos or Darjeeling’s calm, may Durga’s blessings shower upon us all.

How do you celebrate Dashain? Share your stories below!