Dashain
is considered a major festival of Nepal as about 80 percent of the people are
Hindu. This most auspicious festival is celebrated to rejoice the victory of
good over evil.
The
festival is observed for 15 days. Ghatasthapana, the first day of Dashain marks
the beginning of this festival. Families worship the Ashta-Matrikas (the 8
Tantrik Goddesses) and the nine avatars of Durga (the 9 Goddess Durgas) for the
remaining nine days. On the tenth day, people receive Tika and Jamara along
with blessings from the elders and this continues for the next 5 days. The last
day of the festival is on the full moon day and is called ‘Kojagrata’ Purnima.
Although
it is celebrated by a majority of Nepalese, the way of celebration varies
according to communities.