Dashain Tihar 2023 Calendar: A Celebration Of Life, Love, And Light
Introduction
As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, the people of Nepal look forward to one of the most important and beloved festivals of the year – Dashain Tihar. This year, the festival will be celebrated from October 1 to October 15, 2023. The festival is a celebration of life, love, and light, and is marked by an array of events and festivals that bring people together in joy and harmony.
Personal Experience
As a Nepali living abroad, I always look forward to this time of the year. It is a time when I feel connected to my roots and my culture. I remember how my family used to prepare for the festival weeks in advance, cleaning and decorating the house, shopping for new clothes, and planning the feasts. The festival was a time to forget all our worries and differences and come together as a family and a community.
The Significance of Dashain Tihar
Dashain Tihar is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and life over death. The festival is celebrated over 15 days, with each day having its own significance and rituals. The first day, Ghatasthapana, marks the beginning of the festival and involves the planting of a sacred barley seed in a clay pot. The tenth day, Dashami, is the most important day of the festival, and is marked by the worship of the goddess Durga and the offering of sacrifices.
World Events and Festivals
The festival of Dashain Tihar is not just celebrated in Nepal, but also in other parts of the world where there is a Nepali diaspora. In countries like India, Bhutan, and Myanmar, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is a time for Nepalis to come together and celebrate their culture and traditions. In the United States, the festival is celebrated in major cities like New York, Washington DC, and Los Angeles, with Nepali communities organizing cultural events, dances, and feasts.
List of Events and Festivals
Some of the major events and festivals that are part of Dashain Tihar include:
- Ghatasthapana
- Phulpati
- Maha Ashtami
- Maha Navami
- Dashami
- Tihar
- Gai Tihar
- Laxmi Puja
- Bhai Tika
Question & Answer
Q: What is the significance of the goddess Durga in Dashain Tihar?
A: The goddess Durga is worshipped during Dashain Tihar as a symbol of strength and power. It is believed that she defeated the demon Mahishasura, who had brought chaos and destruction to the world. The worship of Durga is a reminder that good will always triumph over evil.
Q: What is Bhai Tika?
A: Bhai Tika is the final day of the festival, and is dedicated to the bond between siblings. On this day, sisters apply tika (a mixture of rice, curd, and vermilion) on the foreheads of their brothers and offer them sweets and gifts. The ritual is a way of strengthening the bond between siblings and wishing each other happiness and prosperity.
Conclusion
Dashain Tihar is a time of joy, love, and togetherness. It is a time to celebrate our culture and traditions, and to reconnect with our families and communities. Whether we are in Nepal or abroad, the festival brings us together and reminds us of the importance of unity, peace, and harmony.