Nepal celebrates Bada Dashain festival with pomp and gaiety

Updated:7 years ago

Kathmandu (Nepal), Oct 10 (ANI): "Navaratri Parba" or the nine-night festival of Bada Dashain, one of the most important festivals of the Hindus of Nepal, began on Wednesday. The courtyard of ancient Palace of Nepal, the Basantapur Durbar Square on Wednesday echoed with the ancient musical instrument with firing of shots by the traditional “Paltan”. The first day of Bada Dashain festival is called "Ghatasthapana" that falls on Aswin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright half of the lunar calendar in the month of Asoj. On the first auspicious day, all Nepalis worship Diyo (an oil-fed lamp), Kalas (auspicious jar) and Lord Ganesh in accordance with Vedic rituals with sowing of maize and barley in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for the germination of the sowed grains known as “Jamara”, the barley shoots. After sowing seeds, prayers are offered to goddess Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati at the Dashain Ghar, marking the beginning of the Navaratri (nine nights). During the month of Kartik (late September and early October), the Nepalese people indulge in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain. Dashain commemorates victory of the gods over the wicked demons. People also recite sacred verses and hymns dedicated to Durga Bhawani at temples and shrines as well as at their homes throughout the Dashain period.