Dashain is a very
popular festival in Nepal. It is the longest and the most auspicious festival
in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese people throughout the
globe. It is also celebrated by many Hindus elsewhere. It is the longest and
most anticipated festival in Nepal. People return from all parts of the world,
as well as different parts of the country, to celebrate together. All
government offices, educational institutions and other offices remain closed
during the festival period.The festival falls in September or October, starting
from the shukla paksha (bright lunar fortnight) of the month of Ashvin and
ending on purnima, the full moon. Among the fifteen days on which it is
celebrated, the most important days are the first, seventh, eighth, ninth and
the tenth.
Among the Newars of
the Kathmandu Valley, Dashain or traditionally called Mwohni or Durga
Puja is celebrated as the most important Newar festival of the calendar
year. It is celebrated by both Hindu and Buddhist with only slight differences
and interpretations, where each nine days Navaratri leading up to the 10th day
called 'Dashami' carry special importance. The goddess Durga and her various
manifestations are especially worshiped by Hindu Newars throughout the
Shaktipeeths of Kathmandu Valley. Among Newars, Mwohni is also important for
its emphasis on family gatherings as well as on a renewal of community ties,
highlighted by special family dinners called Nakhtyā and various
community processions of deities throughout the three royal cities of Kathmandu
Valley.
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