Essay on ‘Dashain’

Essay on ‘Dashain’

Dashain is an important festival of the Hindus. It comes in October and begins on the sixteenth day of Aswin. It continues for ten days. It is celebrated very enthusiastically. In Nepal, it a national festival. 

There are several stories about the origin of Dashain. It is said that Ram worshipped Durga, a goddess, to kill Ravana and then he killed Ravana. Since then this festival has been in practice. Another story is about Durga. She killed Mahishasaur, a demon king. That was the origin of this festival.

Also Read: Essay on 'Dipawali'

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There is some difference in the celebration of this festival in different places. The first day of Dashain is known as Ghatasthapana, which literally means pot establishing. On the seventh day, phulpati is celebrated which is also known as ‘Saptami’. The eight-day is regarded as Maha Aastami. On this day, animals like goats, hens are sacrificed to goddess Kali and the meat is taken as ‘Prasad’ (holy food). Maha Navami is the ninth day of Dashain. The tenth day is named as Vijaya Dashami which is the most important day of this festival. On the tenth day younger ones in a family receive ‘Tika’ (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermilion), Jamara (planted on the first day of Dashain) and blessing form elders as well as respected people.

This is a religious festival. Religious feelings arise in the mind from it. It makes us happy. The government offices, institution, schools and colleges remain closed. So we enjoy a holiday. We send greeting cards to our near and dear. We receive the same cards from others. Parents buy new clothes for their children. People invite guests, organize the feast, visit their relative’s houses, fly kites, build bamboo swings and get involved in various entertaining activities.