THE FESTIVE SEASON IN NEPAL HAS BEGUN. ONE MONTH OF HOLIDAYS- DURGA PUJA AND DIPAWALI.

Ghatastapana, the first day of Durga Puja begins today. Ghatastapana marks the beginning of Dashain or Bijaya Dashami, the longest festival in Nepal and the most auspicious too. The fifteen days of celebration occurs during the bright lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon.
Throughout the country, Goddess Durga is worshipped with innumerable pujas, abundant offerings and animal sacrifices.
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Bijaya Dashami, also known as Durga Puja, commemorates the victory of good over evil.
One of the story narrated through Ramayan, where Lord Ram after a big struggle slaughters Ravana, the monstrous king of demons. It is said that Lord Ram was successful in the battle only when Goddess Durga was evoked. The main celebration glorifies the triumph of good over evil and is symbolized by Goddess Durga slaying the terrible demon Mahisasur, who terrorized the earth in the guise of a brutal water buffalo. The first nine days signifies the nine days of ferrous battle between goddess Durga and the demon Mahisasur. The tenth day is the day when Mahisasur was murdered and the last five days symbolize the celebration of the victory with the blessing of the Goddess. Dashain is celebrated with great rejoice, and Goddess Durga is worshiped throughout the kingdom as the divine mother.
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Bijaya Dashami is a fifteen days celebration, and after a gap of another two weeks begins Dipawali. Thus, this is a month-long festive season. All schools, colleges, offices are closed. As many as 1.5 million people leave out of Kathmandu to visit their home for celebration. During Dashain, roads in Kathmandu will have a deserted look, and vehicles plying will be hardly seen.

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Villagers throng in together to make a big swing. Made of bamboo and thick ropes, all villagers come together to play the swing.

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Kites will be seen in plenty. Often, there are competitions held.

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Nine days after Ghatastapana, younger ones in the family receives blessing from their seniors after putting a TIKA (consist of rice and color mixed with curd) and JAMARA (paddy plant) on forehead. This day is called DASHAIN or BIJAYA DASHAMI OR DURGA PUJA.

HAPPY BIJAYA DASHAMI DEAR STEEMIANS!

Picture courtesy : internet.