The biggest holiday in Nepal, Dashain, is a time of unmatched joy, family gatherings, and spiritual rebirth. It is widely observed with enthusiasm and occupies a unique place in the hearts of Nepalese people everywhere. This lively event lasts for 15 days and is a fascinating fusion of custom, culture, and faith.
History and Importance:
The festival of Dashain, sometimes called Vijaya Dashami, honors the goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon ruler Mahishasura. It represents the victory of good over evil and highlights the significance of justice and righteousness. The ideals of bravery, solidarity, and commitment are profoundly ingrained in Nepalese society by this compelling narrative.
Ghatasthapana: Igniting the Dashain Spirit on the First Day
The first day of Dashain, Ghatasthapana, sets the tone for a fortnight of celebration and introspection. The start of this significant celebration, which resonates strongly with Nepalese culture and history, is marked by this day.
The Sacred Setup: Literally translated as “making the pot,” ghatasthapana means “establishing the pot.” It entails the meticulous placement of a clay pot that represents the goddess Durga and is filled with soil and barley seeds. This action represents calling upon the heavenly power that keeps life possible.
The Prosperous Time: Ghatasthapana is a definite event that adheres to the moment that is considered to be fortunate by astrologers. The pot is set up with great devotion at this time, known as “muhurat,” frequently in a particular room or a designated space within the home.
Rituals & Offerings: After the pot is established, worship is centered on it. To request the blessings of Goddess Durga, devotees give prayers, burn incense, and perform aarti (a ceremonial offering of light). Additionally, vermilion and religious symbols are painted on the pot.
The Barley’s Growth: During the celebration, the barley seeds germinate and grow, signifying the heavenly influence and nourishing power of the goddess. This germination process is carefully monitored and seen as a good omen for success.
Kalash significance:
Ghatasthapana also includes the Kalash, a metal container containing holy water. It is placed next to the clay pot and is thought to hold the goddess’s spirit. The water is revered and used in several rites.
The Daily Rituals: Every morning during Dashain, worshippers go to the Ghatasthapana to offer prayers, burn incense, and ask for blessings. The growing barley serves as a physical image of the goddess’s presence, enhancing the family’s sense of deity.
Ghatasthapana is a unifying force that unites families and communities in devotion. It is an expression of unity in diversity. As Nepalese people from all over the world participate in this holy ceremony, it transcends geographical barriers and fosters a strong sense of cultural cohesion.
7th Day of Dashain: Fulpati – A Symbol of Unity and Tradition
A big event known as Fulpati takes place on the seventh day of Dashain. This event represents harmony, history, and the coming together of many components to glorify the goddess Durga.
Procession of the Fulpati: The ceremonial collecting of diverse plants, leaves, and flowers from various places is known as the Fulpati. These gifts stand for the goodness of nature and the variety of Nepal’s diverse ecology. The crowd is then driven in a dazzling parade to residences and shrines.
Rituals and Offerings: The Fulpati is placed in a unique location of veneration upon arrival, usually next to the established Ghatasthapana. Special pujas (worship rituals) are conducted, and religious hymns are chanted throughout. This action denotes the introduction of the potent natural energies into the household.
8th Day of Dashain: Maha Asthami – Triumph of Good Over Evil
The eighth day, Maha Asthami, is a crucial day in Dashain. It honors the bloody struggle between Mahishasura, a buffalo demon, and the goddess Durga. This day represents the triumph of good over evil and the return of cosmic equilibrium.
Sacrificial Rituals: To honor the goddess, extravagant animal sacrifices, notably those involving goats and buffaloes, are performed on Maha Asthami. This rite, which is performed in homes and temples, symbolizes the sacrifice of one’s ego and destructive impulses in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
The crimson Tika: On this day, family members receive crimson tikas on their foreheads as a sign of the goddess’s blessings. The blood of the sacrificial animals is used to make this tika, which represents the ultimate sacrifice and the blessings of the gods.
Following the rituals, family get together to create lavish meals that include the sacrificed meat. An aura of joy and community is created by the aroma of these foods filling the air.
9th Day of Dashain: Maha Navami – Honoring the Divine Feminine
The ninth day, Maha Navami, is devoted to the veneration of the goddess Durga in all of her guises. This day honors the divine feminine force and the personification of fortitude, compassion, and strength.
Special Pujas: To worship the goddess, elaborate pujas are performed in temples and houses. To obtain blessings for safety, prosperity, and spiritual development, devotees offer prayers, light lights, and carry out rituals.
Cultural Events: Maha Navami is a day dedicated to cultural celebrations. There are performances of traditional dances, music, and processions that highlight Nepal’s rich cultural history. When communities gather together to celebrate, a sense of pride and unity is fostered.
10th Day of Dashain: Vijaya Dashami – Triumph of Virtue and Renewal of Spirit
The sense of victory and rejuvenation permeates every area of Nepal on the tenth day of Dashain, which marks the conclusion of this important celebration. As it is known, Vijaya Dashami is a day of great significance that symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the regeneration of one’s inner spirit.
The magnificent Tika ceremony is often associated with Vijaya Dashami. Younger family members get tika, a concoction of vermillion, yogurt, and rice, applied to their foreheads by elders dressed in traditional garb. This action is accompanied by blessings for success, prosperity, and well-being in the upcoming year.
Tika Symbolism: The goddess Durga’s divine blessings and protection are represented by the red tika. It acts as a potent reminder of the tenacity and inner strength one possesses, even in the face of difficulty.
Cultural Unity: Vijaya Dashami is notable for the way it brings together individuals from different communities and backgrounds. Regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, Dashain unites people in joy and comradery.
Blessings and Gift-Swapping: Blessings and gifts-swapping take place at the Tika ceremony. Younger people show gratitude and seek advice from the older generations, who share their knowledge and well wishes with them. This conversation promotes respect for one another and strengthens ties to the family.
The most fortunate time of the day is chosen by astrologers to coincide with the date of the Tika ceremony. Families and communities are eagerly awaiting this favorable moment to start the ritual.
Feast and Joy: Families come together for a joyful lunch after the Tika ceremony. There are elaborate feasts prepared with traditional foods, treats, and luxuries. Laughter, affection, and the smells of delectable cuisine fill the air.
Reflection & Gratitude: Vijay Dashami is a day to reflect and express thanks. It’s time to look back on the previous year and acknowledge the difficulties overcome and the successes realized. Additionally, it provides a chance to express gratitude for benefits received and ask for more strength in the future.
आचमनं: आपोहिष्ठामयातुमे, आपो अस्तु मम गतिम्। यश्यामि दुर्गाणि तिष्ठन्तु तव पार्वति॥
संकल्प: श्री दुर्गा पूजां करिष्ये।
अवाहनम्: पवनानि संकर्षन्ति यत्र तानि तत्र गच्छति। अवाहयामि ते देवि यथासुखं शनैर्विधे॥
आसनं समर्पयामि। पाद्यं समर्पयामि। अर्घ्यं समर्पयामि। आचमनं समर्पयामि। स्नानं समर्पयामि। वस्त्रार्थं समर्पयामि। यज्ञोपवीतं समर्पयामि। गन्धाक्षतानि समर्पयामि। पुष्पाणि समर्पयामि। धूपं समर्पयामि। दीपं समर्पयामि। नैवेद्यं समर्पयामि। ताम्बूलं समर्पयामि। रक्षां समर्पयामि। अक्षतानि समर्पयामि।कर्पूरारतिकं समर्पयामि। आरतिकं समर्पयामि। पुनः स्नानं समर्पयामि।पुनः पाद्यं समर्पयामि। पुनः अर्घ्यं समर्पयामि। पुनः आचमनं समर्पयामि। वस्त्रार्थं समर्पयामि। यज्ञोपवीतं समर्पयामि। गन्धाक्षतानि समर्पयामि। पुष्पाणि समर्पयामि। धूपं समर्पयामि। दीपं समर्पयामि। नैवेद्यं समर्पयामि। ताम्बूलं समर्पयामि। रक्षां समर्पयामि। अक्षतानि समर्पयामि। कर्पूरारतिकं समर्पयामि। आरतिकं समर्पयामि।
आत्मपूजा: आत्मनं पूजयामि।
निवेदनं: देवि दुर्गे शंभुना यथा त्वं चपला शुभा। तथा कुरु कुरु सर्वं शंभवे त्वामनुप्रति॥
प्रार्थना: या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
एवं पूजित्वा देवीं तां पार्वतीं दुर्गां शनैः। पुनः पूजां समाप्य विश्वाच्छक्त्यै जयाति जयम्॥
Note: This is a simplified version of the Durga Puja vidhi, and actual procedures may vary. It’s recommended to perform these rituals under the guidance of an experienced priest or knowledgeable person.
putting tika sanskrit mantra
कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मिः करमध्ये सरस्वति।
करमूले तु गोविन्दः प्रभाते करदर्शनम्॥
Transliteration: karāgre vasate lakṣmīḥ karamadhye sarasvati।
karamūle tu govindaḥ prabhāte karadarśanam॥
Translation: At the tip of my hand resides Goddess Lakshmi, in the middle resides Goddess Saraswati, and at the base resides Lord Govinda (Vishnu). In the morning, looking at the hand, one gets the blessings of all three.
Note: This mantra is traditionally recited before applying the tika during auspicious ceremonies. It invokes the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi (for wealth), Goddess Saraswati (for knowledge), and Lord Govinda (for spiritual growth and well-being). It is considered auspicious and is recited to seek divine blessings before any significant event or ritual.
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