reCulture Blogs

Dashain is the biggest Hindu festival in Nepal and it has two distinct forms. The major one, Bada Dashain, is observed typically in September or October, while the mini one falls in March or April. The Dashain of March or April is recognized as Chaite Dashain as it usually falls on the last month of the Nepali calendar, i.e., Chaitra. Bada Dashain is celebrated for 15 days, whereas Chaite Dashain lasts for only two days. Goddess Durga defeating the devil Mahishasur. Chaite Dashain is marked as the day when Lord Ram, the central character of the epic Ramayana, came back to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Laxman after 14 years of exile, defeating Ravan (the King of Lanka who abducted Sita). This day symbolizes the victory of truth against the false, light against darkness, and humanity against inhumane attributes. The second day of Chaite Dashain is celebrated as Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Ram. Chaite Dashain falls on the eighth day or Ashtami, of the month, followed by Ram...

Celebration of New year in Nepal. Source: Routine of Nepal Banda Nepal is known for its rich cultural heritage, religion, and diverse traditions. One of the distinctive aspects of Nepali culture is the use of the Bikram Sambat (or Vikram Samvat) calendar, which makes its new year different from most of the other countries'. History: The calendar system 'Vikram Samvat' is said to have been developed by King Vikramaditya of India after the expiry of the Kali Samvat of 3000 years. However, the term 'Vikram Samvat' was not found in any ancient writings until the 9th century AD. But the same calendar system was found being used as other names, such as Krita or Malava, in different writings. This makes the history of the origin of Vikram Samvat quite confusing. Most historians believe that Vikramaditya was an 'Upadhi', not a person, which was given to a number of kings. In different times, four kings were adorned with the title: Vikramaditya of Ujjain, Chandragup...