Dashain: one of the major festivals

 Dashain: one of the major festivals

Dashain, also known as Bijaya Dashami, is the grandest, longest and most auspicious festival in Nepal. It takes place in Nepali Ashiwin month (September to October in Solar Calendar) and lasts for 15 days. Similar to Chinese Spring Festival, Dashain is celebrated by the whole country for the goddess Durgar's victory over the demon Mahishasura. In addition to worship the Goddess Durga, Nepalis will hold celebrations for the fertility of the land and a year of good harvest. Meanwhile, Dasain has also emphasized the importance of family reunion, which is helpful to ease social contradictions. All the government agencies, educational institutions and other public sectors will be closed down during this festival period.

However, this year 2020 Dashain in Nepal will be observed in an unusual way due to Covid 19 pandemic. There will not be mass gathering in any occasions. Devotees will not flock to the temples fearing corona infection. And it has been necessary also for the people to follow self-protection protocals.