Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Hindus and Kirtas in Nepal are immersed in the celebrations of the most auspicious and the grandest Dashain festival today, i.e., October 26, 2020.
This is the longest Hindu festival in Nepal, traditionally celebrated for 15 days from the Shukla paksha (bright lunar fortnight) of the month and ending on Purnima (full moon).
The festival marks the victory of the Goddess Durga over the Demon Mahisasur. As part of celebrations, devotees visit various temples of Goddess Durga, Mahalaxmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati and other deities reminiscent of power, knowledge, and wealth.
Ghatasthapana (day 1), Fulpati (day 7), Maha Asthami (day 8), Maha Navami (day 9), Vijaya Dashami (day 10), and Kojagrata Purnima (day 15) are the most important events under Dashain each marked with a different set of rituals.
According to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti (Calendar Determination Committee), the most auspicious time for receiving and offering Baba Dashain tika today is 10:19 AM (NPT).
However, as Bijaya Dashami is the most auspicious day of the 15-day long Bada Dashain festival, the Committee said that tika could be received and offered at any time today.
Likewise, the best time for Devi Bisarjan is 10:11 AM (NPT).
Tika is a mixture of rice grains, red vermilion powder, yogurt, and curd and put on the forehead of younger relatives as a blessing of the goddess Durga on this auspicious day. Moreover, jamara, newly-germinated barley or maize shoots, are worn behind the ears during Dashain.
However, the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has advised people to follow health protocols owing to the risk of COVID-19 infection.
On the occasion of the Bada Dashain festival, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended warm wishes to all the Nepali citizens at home and abroad.
He requested all Nepalis to celebrate the festival cost-effectively and hygienically and refrain from doing any malicious activities in the name of the festival.
“This Dashain, let’s celebrate it from the location where we are at the moment, considering the high risk of COVID-19 infection on senior citizens, children, and people with underlying health conditions,” said PM Oli.
He also informed that the ‘traditional public tika program’ at the Prime Minister’s Residence would not be held this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
NepaliSansar wishes all the Nepalis at home and abroad a very Happy and Prosperous Dashain 2077!
May Goddess Durga bless your homes and families with prosperity, wealth, and Health. May this festival be a time of renewed joy, happiness, peace, hope, and strengthen the bond among family and friends.
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