Dashain
दशैं
October 11, 2026 – October 26, 2026 · Ashwin 25 – Kartik 10, 2083 BS
Nationwide
Plan a trip around DashainHistory & origin
Marks the goddess Durga's nine-night battle against the buffalo demon Mahishasura, ending in his defeat on the tenth day (Vijaya Dashami) — a victory of good over evil that is also read as a celebration of Ram's defeat of the demon king Ravana.
How it’s celebrated
The first nine nights (Navaratri) are spent in worship of Durga, with barley seeds sown on day one (jamara) that sprout into yellow shoots by the tenth day. On Vijaya Dashami, family elders apply tika to the foreheads of younger relatives along with jamara, offering blessings for the year ahead; the following days are spent visiting relatives' homes to receive tika in turn. Many families also fly kites, and animal sacrifices are made at temples in Durga's honor.
Tips for visitors
Expect much of the country — shops, transport, tour operators — to slow down as Nepalis travel home to family; it's a meaningful but logistically quieter time to visit outside the main cities.
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