Phulpati (Dashain) in Nepal ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Phulpati (Dashain) in Nepal and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Phulpati, also known as Dashain, is the most important Hindu festival in Nepal. It is celebrated for 15 days in late September or early October each year, and it marks the victory of good over evil. During this time, families gather from all over the nation to celebrate and honor the goddess Durga, who symbolizes power and strength. On the first day of the festival, a special kalash (water pot) is filled with holy water and placed on a pedestal at the center of the courtyard. This kalash symbolizes the goddess Durga, and its presence serves as a reminder that she is present in the home.
On the tenth day of the festival, called Vijaya Dashami, family members dress in their finest clothes and visit the temple to pay homage to the goddess. They offer prayers and perform ritualistic dances as a sign of respect and gratitude. Afterward, they exchange tika (a red mark made on the forehead), gifts, and money. Tika symbolizes the blessing of the goddess. The exchange of gifts and money symbolizes the sharing of love and prosperity.
The last five days of the festival are celebrated by visiting family members and relatives. During this time, people visit each other’s homes and exchange blessings and sweets. On the fifteenth day, the kalash is taken away in a procession to a nearby river or lake. This act symbolizes the end of the festival and the return of the goddess’s spirit back to her heavenly abode.