Dashain is the most auspicious festival celebrated by the Hindus of Nepal, Lhotshampa of Bhutan and the Burmese Gurkhas of Myanmar. The festival is also referred as Nauratha, derived from the Sanskrit word for the same festival Navaratri which translates to Nine Nights. A version of this festival is celebrated as Navaratri, Dussehra or Dashera by Hindus in India, although rites and rituals vary significantly.
For followers of Shaktism, it represents the victory of the goddess Durga. In Hindu scripture, the demon Mahishasura had created terror in the devaloka (the world where gods lives) but Durga killed the devils also known as demons. The first nine days of Dashain symbolize the battle which took place between the different manifestations of Durga and Mahishasura. The tenth day is the day when Durga finally defeated him. For other Hindus, this festival symbolises the victory of Ram over Ravan as recounted in the Ramayana. It symbolises the victory of good over evil.
Here are some photos related with Dashain Celebration.
Dashain ritual. Worshipping the gods. You would see a worship room (Puja Kotha) in almost every house in Nepal
Artist impression of Maha Navami celebration in 1856
Gorkha Palace, the ancestral seat of the Shah kings of Nepal. Historically, during the rule of Shah dynasty, a holy procession of flowers and jamara was brought from the Gorkha palace to Kathmandu Durbar Square on this day.
Jamara is sown on the day of Ghatasthapna. The grass is grown in a dark room for nine days and received as a prasad on the tenth day.
Taleju Bhawani temple is open to public only on the day of Maha Navami
Elder celebrating Dashain festival by putting tika on a child
People fly kites during the Dashain festival holidays
Children playing on traditional bamboo swings
Commentaires