Dashain on Nepali Calendar
Dashain is the biggest and most important festival in Nepal, celebrated with great joy and devotion across the country. Families reunite, receive Tika and Jamara from elders as blessings, and enjoy feasts with traditional food.
🗓️ Dashain Dates for 2026 / 2083
| Name | Date (AD) | Date (BS) | Day | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghatasthapana | 11 Oct 2026 | Ashoj 25 | Sunday |  |
| Phulpati | 17 Oct 2026 | Ashoj 31 | Saturday | |
| Maha Astami | 18 Oct 2026 | Kartik 1 | Sunday | |
| Maha Nawami | 20 Oct 2026 | Kartik 3 | Tuesday | |
| Bijaya Dashami | 21 Oct 2026 | Kartik 4 | Wednesday | |
| Papakunsha Ekadashi | 22 Oct 2026 | Kartik 5 | Thursday | |
| Kojagrat Purnima | 25 Oct 2026 | Kartik 8 | Sunday | |
💌 Send a Dashain greeting card.
Dashain is celebrated for 15 days. Each day has it's own value. Here we are explaining the most significant ones-
🌱 Day 1 - Ghatasthapana
Dashain starts with Ghatasthapana, the day when people plant seeds of barley in a special pot. These little green shoots are called Jamara. Families keep the pot in a dark place so the Jamara grows soft and yellowish-green. It is later used as blessings. This day feels like the festival has officially begun, and everyone becomes excited about the fun days ahead.
🌸 Day 7 - Phulpati
On Phulpati, beautiful flowers, Jamara, and special offerings are brought to Kathmandu in a big parade. In many homes, families also bring Jamara to their prayer room and worship goddess Durga. This day makes the festival even more colorful and joyful, as people start getting ready for the most important celebrations.
Big markets are setup in the outdoors to by and sell goats for the festival.
🐐 Day 8 - Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami is all about worshiping goddess Durga, who is very powerful and protects everyone. Many people offer animals like goats, buffaloes, or ducks to the goddess, and the meat is cooked as Prasad to share among family members. Kids love this day because there is always lots of delicious food and a busy, exciting atmosphere at home.
🔧 Day 9 – Maha Navami
On Maha Navami, people worship their tools, vehicles, and machines. This is called Bishowkarma Puja. For example, cars, motorbikes, and even pens and books are decorated and blessed so that they bring safety and success. In Kathmandu, a very special temple called Taleju opens only on this day, and many people go to visit it. Children often enjoy watching their bikes and toys being decorated with tika and flowers.
🎉 Day 10 – Bijaya Dashami
This is the happiest day of Dashain! On Bijaya Dashami, elders put red tika and jamara on the foreheads of younger family members and give blessings for good health and success. Children also receive gifts or money, which makes it even more fun. Families eat together, laugh, and travel to visit relatives. It's a day full of love and happiness.
🌕 Day 15 – Kojagrat Purnima
Dashain ends on Kojagrat Purnima, which falls on a full moon night. On this day, people stay awake and light oil lamps because they believe goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, visits those who are awake. The bright moon, glowing lights, and joyful songs make the night magical. It's a calm and beautiful way to finish the big festival of Dashain.
PS. Check official Dashain tika timings close to the Tika date.