Dashain Festival | Importance, Dates, Tika Time & Guide

Festivals are identity, history, legacy, and culture, besides celebration. Among many festivals, it also falls in this list. Celebrated every year, and with Dashain 2026 coming soon, it’s time to know more about it. It is the biggest festival celebrated in Nepal by Hindus. It symbolises the victory of good over evil.

It is commemorated for Goddess Durga‘s victory over the demon Mahishasura (and even Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana in the Ramayana). Dashain 2026 dates start from Ghatasthapana on Sunday, October 11, 2026 (2083 Ashwin 25 BS). From this day on, Dashain officially begins for 15 days and ends on Kojagrat Purnima (full moon) on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

The main ceremony of Dashain is the day of Vijaya Dashami, the “Tika Ceremony”. During this day, Nepali people put Tika, Jamara, and asirbad (blessings) from their elders at an auspicious time. They visit their relatives’ home to receive tika and blessings and enjoy a feast.

This year, Dashain 2026 tika time falls on Thursday, October 21, 2026 (Kartik 4, 2083 BS). In the Nepali calendar, it starts from Ashwin 25, 2083, to Kartik 8, 2083. The exact Tika time, “Dashain Tika Sahit”, is an auspicious time. It will be chosen by the Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Samiti near the time of festival.

It is also for reunions. Nepalese people make every effort to return back to their hometown from all over the world. It’s a family time full of happiness. Since it is celebrated nationwide, schools and offices get closed from Ghatasthapana onwards and go on a long holiday. The atmosphere and environment feel festive as people clean their homes thoroughly, paint them, decorate them, and start feasting.

Dashain 2026 is a golden opportunity for culture enthusiasts. For Nepali people, it is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. This cultural experience gives you the chance to learn many new things about Nepal. For more detail continue reading our Dashain guide.

How is the Dashain Festival Celebrated?

The festival is celebrated for 15 days, and after the first 5 days, the remaining 10 days have rituals and celebrations. From day 1 to the end of the day, it carries meaningful customs and traditions. Dashain officially starts from Ghatasthapana (Day 1) and ends in Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15).

• Ghatasthapana (Day 1): In 2026, Ghatasthapana falls on October 11, 2026. From this day on, it starts. During Ghatasthapana, all Nepalese families do poojas and sow barley seeds in a tapari (leaf plate) or pots to grow jamara (sacred grass). The head of the family will worship this jamara, put water on it every day, and cover it so sunlight won’t reach it. Rest for four days; continue with rituals and worship of the goddess Durga at home.

• Phulpati (Day 7): Phulpati is celebrated on October 17, 2026, of this year. This day is another important day for the Nepalese, as it’s a day of grand processions. Fulpati (flower plant), which consists of flowers, leaves, banana stalks, sugarcane, and jamara are carried in a royal tradition from Gorkha and Nuwakot to Hanuman Dhoka Durbar in Kathmandu. At home, families worship Goddess Durga by offering nine different flowers and plants. From this day on, all government and private offices will be officially closed. Family return back to their home villages for the celebration. Roads get packed with people leaving back to their homes, carrying excitement.

• Maha Ashtami (Day 8): This day is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the fiercest form of Durga. It falls on October 18, 2026. The celebration of Maha Ashtami starts with animal sacrifices in the morning. In Kathmandu Durbar Square, 54 goats and 54 buffalo are sacrificed on this day to honour the Goddess. The sacrificed animals’ blood is offered at temples, and meat becomes the festival feast. Every household also sacrifices goats and offers jamara, and holy scriptures (from Durga Saptashati, Shrimad Devi Bhagwat, and Devi Stotra scriptures) are chanted. Similarly, Nepali security forces also do a pooja called “Khadga Puja” for weapons and vehicles for protection from Devi.
• Maha Navami (Day 9): The ninth day of Dashain is celebrated on October 19, 2026. It is called Maha Navami and continues with the worship. On this day, Ayudha Pooja is done, where people worship tools, vehicles, and weapons. After Maha Ashtami, animal sacrifice, mostly of goats, is made every day in households and temples. From here on, every day is a celebration and feast. In Kathmandu, the Nepal Army conducts a 21-gun salute and performs rituals at Hanuman Dhoka.
• Vijaya (Bijaya) Dashami (Day 10: Dashain Tika Day): This is the main day of Dashain. The Dashain 2026 date is on October 21. On Vijaya Dashami, people wake up early in the morning, bathe, and prepare for rituals and the festival. There is an auspicious time allocated to put Tika (sahit ko tika) when the clock strikes.
  

  Vijaya (Bijaya) Dashami

  Elders of the household apply cow dung, a coin, tika, and jamara on the top of the main door of the house to start the Dashain tika. Afterwards, everyone sits wearing new clothes, and elders will apply the holy tika (a paste of rice, yoghurt, and red vermilion) to the foreheads of juniors. They will put jamaras on the head, give Dakshina (gift money), and have kids bow before their elders. After this, the family shares a lavish feast. Then people go to or visit their relatives’ houses to receive tika and blessings from elders. It is also the festival of kites. People go to their rooftops and fly kites as a way of telling the rain god (Indra) not to rain anymore. Throughout Dashain, communities build Linge Ping (traditional swing) in an open space. There is a belief that one must leave the ground at least once a year by swinging. The remaining days continue with the same celebration; people travel to their maternal and paternal relatives to receive blessings and tika.

• Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15): Then comes the last day of Dashain, celebrated on October 25 of 2026. It is a full moon day of Kartik and falls on the fifth day of Dasami. On the final day of Dashain, people put their farewell tika and go to nearby temples or rivers to dispose of the jamara. This officially marks the end of Dashain.

For those travelling during the Dashain festival, we advise them to book and get permits a few days ahead because all government offices and places close down after Fulpati. During Dashain, do not forget to exchange greetings of “शुभ दशैं” (Shubh Dashain) with locals. From the day of Ghatasthapana, people start cleaning their houses thoroughly, painting them, and doing shopping, and everyone will buy new clothes.

Why is the Dashain Festival Important?

The Dashain festival is important because of its deep significance religiously and culturally. In Nepal, the majority of people follow the Hindu religion. So, the celebration is massive due to popularity as well. Religiously, it is connected deeply with ancient myths.

In ancient times, Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura. The fight between Mata Durga and Mahishasura lasted for nine days. Finally, on the tenth day, she successfully killed him. This victory led to the celebration of Dashain or Dashami.

Parallel to this, Dashain is also connected to the Ramayan, the “Hindu epic“. During the fight between demon king Ravana and Lord Rama, Lord Rama worshipped Durga for blessings. Later, he won the battle, and people started celebrating the Dashain festival. As for now, Dashain is celebrated for the victory of good over evil.

Dashain is the major festival in Nepal, which brings family reunions and happiness. It is deeply rooted socially and culturally among the Nepalese community. To celebrate this Mahan Chad “great festival”, Nepalese people from all over the world return to their hometowns just to celebrate Dashain. It’s a time for reunion and celebration that comes once a year.

Most of all, Nepal is a small but very diverse country. Among 142 ethnic groups, Dashain is the only festival they all celebrate. It usually falls between September and November (autumn season). It is also peak time for travelling in Nepal. If you love learning new things and culture, choosing this travel window is best. Getting to experience the festive atmosphere firsthand is truly memorable.

In Nepal, the Dashain festival is the longest and most significant Hindu festival. The emotional lift is palpable as the whole nation celebrates it together. The atmosphere on the streets is filled with smiles, people are shopping for the celebration, and even animals expect a treat. Dashain is the heart of Nepali culture and people. It’s a festival where everyone expects it to come.

What to Expect from Dashain Festival 2026?

Dashain festival 2026; yeah, you can expect a lot. Besides the religious and traditional significance, for Nepalese people, Dashain is their identity. For visitors, a Dashain trip will be an unforgettable cultural immersion. If you love learning about new cultures and traditions, this is the perfect time to visit. The whole nation celebrates Dashain, which means the whole country will be filled with a festive atmosphere. We have prepared some lists of what you can expect on Dashain 2026 dates:

• Festive Atmosphere: The best part of Dashain is that everyone will be celebrating it. It doesn’t matter which corner of Nepal you are travelling to. From the Himalayan and hilly to the Terai regions, everyone will be celebrating. Unique rituals in a town dotted with traditional swings offer a new and great experience for visitors. Before Dashain, markets, fairs, and shops will be packed with goods for Dashain. This gives you the opportunity to learn about Hindu and Nepalese culture.
• Family Reunions & Hospitality: During Dashain, every Nepali citizen returns to their village and hometown. All offices and businesses are closed for the celebration of Dashain. If you visit during festival time, you will experience the warm hospitality of Nepalese families. Guests are especially welcome for the celebration. Sharing culture and good energy is what they love. Visitors can celebrate Dashain with local families. You can apply some tika, enjoy the feast, and know more about Dashain first-hand. Playing card games and enjoying Dashain feasts like goat curry, barbecued meat, sel roti (rice bread), and sweet rice pudding adds another layer of fun. They are very welcoming, and you don’t have to be shy.

• Traditional Swings: This is a unique experience. These traditional swings are huge, made up of wooden and bamboo pillars and rope. It is made in the open ground of every place in Nepal and only in Dashain. Putting on new clothes with a red tika on the forehead, green jamara sprouts on the ear, and pockets filled with new money is a core memory. Swinging on this traditional swing, queuing up for your turn is a must. If you are visiting during Dashain, you must try it. They are built even high in the Himalayas, so no need to worry about missing it.
• Dashain Games: There are lots of traditions and customs celebrated during Dashain. One of the popular traditions is flying kites on Dashain. There will be various competitions among local communities as well. There are lots of fairs organised in towns and cities. You can visit Basantapur and other squares where there are many outdoor fairs. Whole places, shops and malls are decorated in the Dashain theme. Another perk is the Dashain discount. Some games you must try during Dashin are card games and Jhadi Munda (a dice game). And, of course, you just try Dashain special treats like sel roti, yomari (sweet rice dumplings), and chhoila.
• Peak Travelling Season: Dashain 2026 dates fall just during the peak trekking season in Nepal (September-November). The perfect weather and temperature make it a popular season for travelling in Nepal. So, expect a crowd. This time of season, you will experience crystal-clear blue skies, warm and stable weather, dry trails, crisp air, and great surrounding views. It is the best time to do the Everest Three Passes Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek. You might get a chance to celebrate Dashain along the trail. It’s the best way and an authentic way to experience the Dashain festival. It is highly suggested for travellers planning to create some great memories.
• Cultural Tours and Local Guides: Another perk of travelling to Nepal during Dashain is that many tour operators offer exclusive special packages and discounts. Access Nepal Tours and Trekking can customise a Dashain package just for you. In this itinerary, visitors will get to celebrate Dashin with local authenticity. Guided sightseeing, temples, tours, and ritual places are also arranged for visitors. You can enjoy a homestay alongside Nepali families; it’s perfect for cultural enthusiasts.
• Safety and convenience: When it comes to safety and comfort, you don’t have to worry about it. Access Nepal Tours and Trekking’s main priority is traveller safety and comfort. To experience Nepali culture, we highly suggest you travel during the festival. However, be prepared for booking early because it’s a peak time and holiday season for Nepali people as well; transportation tickets and accommodation are booked early and in limited.

During the Dashain festival, the atmosphere can be bustling and energetic, but it’s worthwhile. Travelling, which is loved for learning new things and festive atmospheres, is a highly suggested time to visit. Besides Dashain 2026, Nepal can’t be vibing more than this in any other month. For an authentic experience, try travelling during festival.

When is Dashain Tika 2026, and What is Tika Muhurat?

Dashain Tika for 2026 is confirmed for Thursday, October 21, 2026 (Kartik 4, 2083 BS). Though Dashain lasts for 15 days, the main day (Vijaya Dashami) is October 21. Otherwise, Dashain officially starts from October 11, 2026, and ends on October 25.

On the main day of Dashain, people wake up early in the morning. They bathe, clean the home, and prepare feasts and rituals. Once the clock hits the auspicious time allocated by the Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Samiti (official calendar committee), elders will apply Dashain Tika and jamara to their family members. For Dashain 2026 (tika muhurat), it is yet to be announced.

Vijaya Dashami begins after sunrise and lasts for five days continuously. Throughout the five days of Dashain, Nepali families visit their relatives’ homes and enjoy a feast. For the preparation of Dashain Tika, mothers will prepare it as usual. The Tika is made with a mixture of rice, yoghurt, and vermilion (red powder) plus the jamara grown since Ashwin 25.

Elders then apply tika while chanting blessings. People will sit on the ground in a line before the eldest. Then they will apply it one by one, and the younger ones will bow their heads and receive dakshina (money). During the tika application ritual, younger students face elders, often to the east or north.

Applying tika on the forehead signifies the blessings of long life, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. It is a prasad from Goddess Durga. The whole atmosphere during the Dasahin is heartwarming. The entire family comes together and sits on mats or chairs, waiting for their turn.

The Tika Muhurat (Dashain Tika Timing) is controlled by astrology. The timing (subha muhurat) is decided by the panchang. Once it is decided, during the Vijaya Dashami, everyone waits for the exact time to apply the tika. Before that, you should not put on a tika. After the auspicious time, in the following four days, you can put it wherever you like.

The exact auspicious time for Dashain 2026 (“Dashain Tika Sahit 2083”) will be announced by Nepali astrologers in early October. You can ask or just look up on the internet about auspicious timing.

How Many Days is Dashain Celebrated in Nepal?

Dashain is celebrated for 15 days in Nepal. It is the major festival in Nepal and the longest as well. The first day of Dahsin starts with Ghatasthapana (the first day of the lunar fortnight) and ends on Kojagrat Purnima (the full moon). The most important days in this period are:

• Ghatasthapana (Day 1): Planting jamara.
• Phulpati (Day 7): arrival of sacred flowers and jamara.
• Maha Ashtami (Day 8): worship of Goddess Kali and animal sacrifices (goats and buffalo).
• Vijaya Dashami (Day 10): the main Tika day.
• Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15): Dashain ends with the disposal of Jamara on the river.

All 15 days of Dashain are very important and carry deep meaning. After the Tika day, the other four days are spent wit visiting relatives’ homes to recive blessing from elders and enjoying the feast. Dashain is one of the most loved festivals of Nepalese people. It is the heart and soul as Nepalese people from all over the world come back home just to celebrate it with their families.

What Are the 15 Days of Dashain?

Dashain is celebrated for 15 days. Each days are significant for Nepalese people as they hold specific names, rituals, and religious importance.

• Ghatasthapana (Day 1): Day to plant Jamara (Oct 11, 2026).
• Fagupat (Day 2): First Puja (Oct 12, 2026).
• Maha Panchami (Day 3): Second Puja (Oct 13, 2026).
• Maha Shashti (Day 4): Third Puja (Oct 14, 2026).
• Maha Saptami (Day 5): Fourth Puja (Oct 15, 2026).
• Maha Ashtami (Day 6): Fifth Puja (Oct 16, 2026).
• Fulpati (Day 7): Flower Procession (Oct 17, 2026).
• Maha Asthami (Day 8): Great Eighth (Oct 18, 2026).
• Maha Navami (Day 9): Great Ninth (Oct 19, 2026).
• Bijaya Dashami (Day 10): Vijaya Dashami (Dashain Tika) (Oct 21, 2026).
• Ekadashi (Day 11): Tika (Oct 22, 2026).
• Dwadashi (Day 12): Tika (Oct 23, 2026).
• Trayodashi (Day 13): Tika (Oct 24, 2026).
• Chaturdashi (Day 14): Tika (Oct 25, 2026).
• Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15): Jamara Selaune (ending of Dashain) (Oct 25, 2026).

The first ten days of Dashain are called Navaratri. During Dashain, people worships Goddess Durga’s nine forms. The last five days are called Bijaya Dashami in which people wear tika and jamara. The above mentione Dashain 2026 dates are corresponded with Nepali calendar. Each years, Dashain dates changes.

Red Tika vs. White Tika: Key Traditions

• Red Tika: It’s an identity of Nepali Hindu families. Red tika symbolises the Agna chakra (third eye), which is the centre of intuition. The Dashain tika represents Goddess Durga’s blessing and divine energy. It is made up of vermilion powder mixed with yoghurt and rice. Red tika is applied throughout the Dashain celebration.
• White Tika: White tikas are the same as red tikas but are put on differently by indigenous groups like the Gurung, Magar, Rai, Limbu, Tharu, etc. They put a white- or yellow-coloured tika instead of red due to historical reasons. White tika consists of rice grains and curd (yoghurt). The difference is only colour; other rituals and ways of celebration are the same as others.

Though different in colour, tikas are still a sacred blessing and very significant in Nepali culture. So, if you see people wearing white or red tikas during it, you will just know what the reason is.

Dashain 2026 dates are essential to know if you are planning for a trip during this time. It is celebrated every year, but the date changes. This Dashain 2026 date starts from October 11 to October 25, 2026. The grand Dashain Tika (Vijaya Dashami) is on October 21, 2026. Throughout the 15 days of celebration from Ashwin 25 to Kartik 8, 2083 BS, Nepalese will be busy celebrating it.

Plan your trip wisely because visiting Nepal during Dashain means you are entering into the heart of Nepalese culture. Just choose one of the destinations, Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or any region of Nepal; it’s a rare opportunity yet worth experiencing. Travelling through Nepal during Dashain, every corner of Nepal will welcome you. Without any hesitation, you can circle a date, Oct 11-25, 2026, on your calendar and start preparing.