Dashain is considered a major festival of Nepal as about 80 percent of the people are Hindu. This most auspicious festival is celebrated to rejoice the victory of good over evil.
The festival is observed for 15 days. Ghatasthapana, the first day of Dashain marks the beginning of this festival. Families worship the Ashta-Matrikas (the 8 Tantrik Goddesses) and the nine avatars of Durga (the 9 Goddess Durgas) for the remaining nine days. On the tenth day, people receive Tika and Jamara along with blessings from the elders and this continues for the next 5 days. The last day of the festival is on the full moon day and is called ‘Kojagrata’ Purnima.
Although it is celebrated by a majority of Nepalese, the way of celebration varies according to communities.
