It is the start of the Newari calender and the fourth day of Tihar. It is believed that the calendar started from Kathmandu valley during the middle ages. On this day, people from Newar community perform ‘Maha Puja’, worshipping the self.

In other parts of the country, oxen are worshipped. People also celebrate visit homes singing “Deusire” and “Bhaili”, which is a form of musical fundraising.

Bhai Tika is the final day of Tihar. It is the day that celebrates the brotherly and sisterly love. On Bhai Tika, sisters recall the myth of Jamuna who tricked Yamaraj into postponing her brother’s death indefinitely, by blessing their brothers and giving them tika, garlands and sweets. Brothers in return give their sisters gifts and money.

It is the third day of Tihar. Tihar is a festival of lights. It is celebrated for five days, starting two days before the new moon. This festival is associated with Yamaraj, the God of Death and Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth.

On Laxmi Puja, cows are honored with flower garlands, both as a symbol of Laxmi and as the soul’s guide to Yamaraj’s underworld. In the evening people light their homes with oil lamps, candles and electric lights to welcome Goddess Laxmi to their homes. Children make rounds singing “Deusire” and “Bhaili”, which is a form of musical fundraising.

It is the seventh day of Dasain. Dasain is Nepal’s biggest annual festival. It is celebrated for fifteen days starting from the new moon of Asoj (September or October). Also known as Durga Puja or Dashera, this festival marks the victory of goddess Durga over the demon king Mahisasur.

On Fulpati, a jar containing sacred flowers is brought to Hanuman Dhoka Palace from Gorkha and they are inspected by the King, Queen and many VIPs.

It is the ninth day of Dasain. Dasain is Nepal’s biggest annual festival. It is celebrated for fifteen days starting from the new moon of Asoj (September or October). Also known as Durga Puja or Dashera, this festival marks the victory of goddess Durga over the demon king Mahisasur.

Sacrifices continue throughout Nawami. On this day blood is sprinkled on tools, vehicles and even aircrafts to impart Durga’s power.

Astami is the eight day of Dasain. Dasain is Nepal’s biggest annual festival. It is celebrated for fifteen days starting from the new moon of Asoj (September or October). Also known as Durga Puja or Dashera, this festival marks the victory of goddess Durga over the demon king Mahisasur.

Maha Astami or the ‘Great Eight Day’ follows Fulpati. This day starts with animal sacrifices and other offerings to Goddess Durga. At midnight, eight buffaloes and 108 goats are beheaded in the Taleju temple complex in Hanuman Dhoka Palace

It is the final day of dasain. Dasain is Nepal’s biggest annual festival. It is celebrated for fifteen days starting from the new moon of Asoj (September or October). Also known as Durga Puja or Dashera, this festival marks the victory of goddess Durga over the demon king Mahisasur.

On Bijaya Dashami, the ‘Victorious Tenth Day’, people visit elders to receive blessings and tika. The barley sprouts (jamara) that were planted on the first day are picked up and worn in the hair. The King, Queen and Kumari, the living goddess, also bestow tika to all comers. This day also celebrates the victory of Lord Ram over the evil demon King Ravana. In the evening, various processions and masked dances are held in the Kathmandu valley. The Khadga Jatra or sword procession features priests dressed up as various gods and carrying wooden swords.

Ghatasthapana is the first day of Dasain. Dasain is Nepal’s biggest annual festival. It is celebrated for fifteen days starting from the new moon of Asoj (September or October). Also known as Durga Puja or Dashera, this festival marks the victory of goddess Durga over the demon king Mahisasur.

On this day (Ghatasthapana), people plant barley (jamara) in a kalash (vessel). Getting the seeds to sprout a few centimeters during Dasain ensures a good harvest. People visit various goddess temples and play cards. Children fly kites and enjoy swings supported by bamboo poles throughout the following days of the festival.

Date: September 2, 2008
Venue: All over Nepal

Teej is a three day long women’s festival which starts from the third day after the new moon. Women celebrate this festival in honor of their husband and in the hope of a long and happy married life. On the first day of this festival, women feast until midnight after which they commence a 24 hour long fasting.

During this day women come on streets wearing red saris, singing songs and dancing. They go to Pashupatinath temple to take ritual dips in the river and call on the gods to protect their husbands. Women break the fast on the final day by offering their husbands small items of food which have been previously offered to the gods.