Why are there two Dashains?

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 Navami. The festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, especially around the temples of Lord Ram. Out of several temples, Ram Janaki Temple in Janakpur is prominently decorated during the festival, with a huge number of devotees visiting the site. Chaite Dashain is also recognized as Chaite Asthami or Sano Dashami.


Lord Ram returning to Ayodhya.

According to myths, in the past, Chaite Dashain was celebrated as Bada Dashain of September-October. However, concerns about health issues rose overtime as heavy consumption of protein-rich diets during festivities led to digestive problems and illnesses, during those hot days when digestion is difficult. So, people wisely shifted Dashain from Chaitra to Ashwin, a season with much cooler weather and abundant harvests. This transition emerged as a very practical solution because it not only ensured the health concerns but also provided abundant food crops for celebrations, aligned perfectly with the weather condition and the agricultural calendar.

On the day of Chaite Dashain, families gather together, receive Tika and blessings, and enjoy delicious meals. Goddess Durga, the symbol of power, prosperity, and victory over evil, is widely worshiped, as it is believed that Ram worshiped Durga for nine days before Ravan was killed. Animals like goats, buffaloes, chickens, ducks, etc. are sacrificed across the country. Goddess Devi’s temples like Dakshinkali, Shova Bhagwati, Maitidevi, Raktakali, Sankata, and Guheswari in Kathmandu Valley are filled with devotees on this day. The Nepali army also commemorates this day in its own way. This day is celebrated to receive good luck and fortune from Devi.


Written by:
Anusha Thapa
Content Creator,
reCulture.np

Location: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Comments

  1. Sanjana GhimireApril 15, 2024 at 9:43 PM

    Well said!! Keep up the good work.
    Chaite Dashain celebrates the victory of good over evil.
    Happy Chaitey Dashain!!

    ReplyDelete

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