This year’s Tihar has been truly special for me. It’s our second biggest festival, and it goes on for five beautiful days filled with light, laughter, music, and togetherness. Since moving to this new place, I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by a wonderful Nepalese community — and celebrating Tihar here has been nothing short of amazing.
Each day of the festival brought its own charm and meaning: ✨ Day 1 – Kaag Tihar (Crow Day): We started by offering food to crows, messengers of Yama, the god of death, to ward off sadness and bad news for the coming year.
🐕 Day 2 – Kukur Tihar (Dog Day): We honoured our loyal friends — dogs — by placing garlands, tika, and delicious treats for them. Seeing everyone’s pets proudly wearing flowers and tikas was heartwarming.
🐄 Day 3 – Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja: Morning began with worshipping cows, a symbol of prosperity and motherhood. As the evening arrived, we lit up our homes with diyas and candles to welcome Goddess Laxmi. The streets shimmered with light, and the air was filled with laughter, music, and the scent of incense.
👭 Day 4 – Govardhan Puja / Mha Puja: This day felt especially meaningful as we performed Mha Puja — a beautiful ritual of self-purification and self-respect. We celebrated life and energy with our family and neighbours, creating a deep sense of connection and gratitude.
🎶 Day 5 – Bhai Tika: The final day was emotional and full of love — sisters placing tika on their brothers’ foreheads, wishing them long life, happiness, and prosperity.
Throughout these five days, the best part was coming together with our neighbours to play Deusi–Bhailo every evening. We went from house to house singing, dancing, and sharing laughter. Everyone contributed — some cooked, some sang, some played the madal or guitar — and every night ended with food, stories, and joy.
This Tihar reminded me of home — of warmth, light, and community. It wasn’t just a festival; it was a celebration of connection, tradition, and belonging.
The last few days have been a whirlwind of fun, family, and festivities as we’ve been busy celebrating Dashain, one of the most cherished festivals in our culture. It’s always a time of togetherness, where we come together with friends and family to share joy, laughter, and of course, delicious food!
From Tika and Jamara to playing cards and eating delicious food, the spirit of Dashain has been in full swing. We’ve enjoyed the beautiful rituals, reconnected with family, and created unforgettable memories. Here are some glimpses of our celebrations – filled with love, blessings, and happiness.
Dashain is here! The air is filled with excitement, nostalgia, and the promise of family gatherings, food, and festivities. Yesterday marked Ghatasthapana, the first day of Dashain, which sets the tone for the next 15 days of celebration. In households across Nepal—and for Nepali communities around the globe—this day is sacred. It’s the day we plant Jamara, those sprouting yellow-green shoots that symbolize prosperity and blessings.
But what makes Dashain so special?
For starters, it’s not just any festival. Dashain is Nepal’s biggest and longest Hindu festival, celebrated for 15 glorious days of tradition, reunions, and cultural pride. From Ghatasthapana to the grand finale on Vijaya Dashami, it’s a time when families gather, share meals, exchange blessings, and honour the victory of good over evil.
So, if you’re new to Dashain or just looking to rekindle that festive spirit, here’s a peek into why we cherish this time of year!
The Legends Behind Dashain: Why It’s More Than Just a Festival
Dashain is steeped in legends and Hindu mythology. According to one tale, it’s the story of Ram—the hero who defeated the demon king Ravana after nine days of prayer and worshipping Goddess Durga. The tenth day, Dashami, marks Ram’s victory, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Another tale revolves around Mahishasura, the fearsome demon who terrorized both Earth and Heaven. The gods created Durga, the powerful goddess who battled Mahishasura for nine long days. On the tenth day, Durga slew the demon, marking the day of victory—Vijaya Dashami.
These stories remind us that no matter how challenging life gets, good will always prevail. And that’s why we place tika (a red vermilion paste mixed with rice and yogurt) on our foreheads during Dashain—it’s a blessing for victory, strength, and resilience in the coming year.
Day 1: Ghatasthapana – Planting Jamara, Growing Prosperity
Ghatasthapana (literally meaning “pot establishment”) marks the official start of Dashain. This is the day we plant Jamara—the sacred barley seeds that we lovingly water and nurture for the next ten days. These delicate sprouts will grow to represent blessings, and we use them on Vijaya Dashami for the tika ceremony.
I planted my Jamara yesterday. It’s always a special moment for me—preparing the soil, sowing the seeds, and knowing that in 10 days, those golden-green shoots will be ready for the most important ritual of Dashain. I can’t wait to see how well they grow this year!
Dashain Activities: Where Tradition Meets Fun
What makes Dashain feel so magical is the blend of deep-rooted traditions with simple pleasures. Here are some of the most exciting things we look forward to every Dashain:
1. Kite Flying
As soon as Dashain kicks off, the skies in Nepal fill with colorful kites—each one carrying the message that the monsoon season is over. I have fond memories of rooftop kite battles with my brothers, shouting “Changa Chet!” (which means “kite cut!”) every time we managed to down someone else’s kite. It’s a playful battle that I miss every year.
2. Family Card Games
I can’t talk about Dashain without mentioning the card games! Even though gambling is technically illegal in Nepal, Dashain is an exception. Families gather around with cards, placing small bets (or just playing for fun!). I used to love sneaking into the grown-ups’ game as a kid, hoping to win a few coins.
3. Shopping for New Clothes
Dashain is the time for new clothes! For many families, this is the only time of the year when they can afford new outfits. Shops across Nepal offer crazy discounts, and it’s a rush of excitement as everyone prepares for the festival. I treated myself to a new dress this weekend—because who doesn’t love a reason to shop, right?
4. Bamboo Swings (Ping)
In the countryside, you’ll find bamboo swings constructed just before Dashain. These aren’t your average playground swings either—they’re towering structures that often go 20 feet high! Swinging on a ping is a thrill, and for many, it’s a must-do every year.
The Sweet Chaos: Fairs, Concerts, and Food!
Dashain isn’t just about rituals; it’s also about fun and celebration! Throughout Nepal, you’ll find fairs, concerts, and dashain melas (markets) popping up in towns and cities. These events bring people together for a bit of light-hearted fun—think Ferris wheels, local snacks, and live performances.
And then there’s the food! The streets fill with the smell of fried treats, freshly made sel roti (a traditional rice doughnut), and crispy chatpate (Nepal’s beloved street food). It’s the time to indulge, because Dashain only comes once a year!
Happy Dashain, everyone!
Here are the posts I have written regarding Dashian over the years .
Today, we celebrate Janai Purnima, a festival deeply intertwined with Nepali culture and Hindu tradition. This day is particularly meaningful as it marks the time to renew their “janai,” the sacred thread they wear daily.
The janai is first bestowed upon a boy during his Bratabandha ceremony, a rite of passage signifying his initiation into manhood. On Janai Purnima, men come together to perform the sacred ritual of changing the thread while reciting powerful mantras. This thread, representing purity and protection, is worn as a bracelet until the next year’s festival, when the cycle of renewal begins again.
However, Janai Purnima is not solely about the janai. It’s also a day when men, women, and children, regardless of caste, participate in the ritual of tying a sacred yellow thread around their wrists. Men tie this thread on their right wrist, while women tie it on their left. This thread symbolises protection and is believed to bring good luck. Traditionally, it is removed on Laxmi Puja, three months later, and tied to the tail of a cow. In the absence of a cow, the thread can be thrown into a fast-moving river or tied to a plant—like the one I have in my office from last year’s celebration!
The sacred thread carries profound spiritual significance. According to tradition, when the wearer passes away, the cow to whom the thread was tied will help them cross the mythical river Bhaitarna, easing their journey into the afterlife.
Throughout Nepal, Janai Purnima is celebrated with a variety of rituals. Devotees flock to temples, shrines, and riverbanks to perform puja and offer prayers. The day is also marked by communal feasts and gatherings, where families and communities come together in joyful celebration.
Janai Purnima is more than just a religious observance; it is a rich tapestry of cultural practices, spiritual devotion, and the strengthening of family bonds. As Nepal’s streets come alive with the vibrant colors of sacred threads and the sounds of prayers, this festival serves as a powerful reminder of the values that unite us, no matter where in the world we may be.
Today is also celebrated as Kwati Purni in Newar community, a festival named after the cherished dish ‘Kwati.’ This nutritious and hearty soup is made from a combination of nine different soaked and sprouted beans, each bringing its own unique flavor and health benefits. The beans typically used include mung beans (mung), soya beans (bhatmas), red kidney beans (rajma), black grams (mas), black-eyed peas (bodi), fava beans (bakulla), chickpeas/whole grams (chana), field peas (kerau), and white beans (seto simi).
Traditionally, Kwati was a staple for farmers, consumed to rejuvenate their tired bodies during the labor-intensive rice plantation season. Its rich nutritional profile provided the much-needed strength and energy for the hard work in the fields. Beyond its role as a farmers’ food, Kwati is also valued for its digestive benefits and its ability to address various health issues, making it a dish that nourishes both body and soul.
In modern times, Kwati has become more than just a practical meal; it’s a symbol of tradition and a celebration of Nepalese culinary heritage. The preparation and sharing of Kwati bring families together, fostering a sense of community and continuity. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a rainy day or as a festive dish during Kwati Purnima, this soup holds a special place in Nepali culture.
For those interested in making Kwati at home, I’ve shared the recipe here, where you can learn how to prepare this delicious and nourishing soup yourself.
Janai Purnima also coincides with Raksha Bandhan, a cherished tradition where sisters tie rakhis—beautifully decorative bracelets—around their brothers’ wrists. This act symbolises love, protection, and care. In return, brothers give sweets or gifts, reinforcing the bonds of kinship and friendship.
This day is marked by a renewal of spiritual vows and a recommitment to the values symbolised by the janai, which consists of three strands representing purity, spiritual protection, and moral integrity.
The exchange of rakhis is a joyful celebration of sibling love, adding a warm and familial aspect to the festival. The mutual exchange of gifts and promises between brothers and sisters strengthens these bonds and creates lasting memories.
Although I didn’t grow up celebrating Raksha Bandhan, it has become a cherished tradition since I had children. Each year, we have a small ceremony with my brother’s children, and the kids are always so excited to participate. They love the unique traditions and, of course, the exchange of gifts! These moments are precious to me because, even though we are far from Nepal, my children are growing up learning about and staying connected to their Nepali heritage.
nepaliaustralian 