Dashain 2026 Dates, Tika and Festival Guide

Dashain, renowned as Vijaya Dashami is one of the biggest and most auspicious festivals celebrated in Nepal. Families who are scattered from their own home either for education or employment reunite and celebrate Dashain 2026 by exchanging happiness and receiving tika and Jamara with blessing from elders.

Dashain is a Sanskrit word which means “Dasha” referring to “Victory” or “Tenth.” The festival Dashain is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Durga’s victory over evil demons.

To celebrate Dashain almost every bureaucratic, educational, and industry gets closed and markets become crowded with locals buying clothes, food, gifts, and festive essentials. In this guide, we will explain everything about Dashain 2026, including dates, Tika rituals, traditions, foods, trekking opportunities, transportation tips, and cultural etiquette.

When is Dashain Celebrated in 2026?

The Dashain festival starts from the dates of 11 October, 2026 and Dashain holiday also begins. The Dashain festival is celebrated until 25th of October.

According to Nepali Calendar, Dashain of 2083 runs from 25th of Ashwin to 8th of Kartik. Ghatasthapana falls on 11th of October while Fulpati falls on 17th of October, 2026.

The tenth day of Dashain also known as Vijaya Dashami is celebrated on the 21st of October. Every year Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Samiti announces the auspicious time to start the tika ritual,  which is yet to be announced for 2083.

History and Significance of Dashain Festival in Nepal

The celebration of Dashain festival in Nepal is deeply rooted to Hindu Mythology of Goddess Durga. When a water buffalo demon, Mahishasura who has the ability to change form which was a boon given by lord Brahma started causing problems in the world created by God.

Then, the three supreme gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva created a powerful Goddess Durga by uniting their energy and surrendered their weapon to her and the battle initiated in between Goddess Durga and demon began. Goddess Durga rode her celestial lion and battled with shapeshifting demon and the fight lasted for the whole 9 days where the demon changed his shape  from buffalo, lion, elephant, and back to buffalo, and on the 10th day, goddess Durga killed him.

The victory of Durga over demons on the last day is celebrated as the “Vijaya Dashami”.  This symbolizes the power of feminine energy in defeating evil forces.

In addition to this, Vijaya Dashami is celebrated when “Ram” (avatar of Lord Vishnu) got the victory over the “Ravan” (demon King) with the blessing of the Goddess Durga according to Hindu epic, “Ramayana”. This emphasizes that, in the end, truth and righteousness ultimately prevail.

How Nepali Celebrate Dashain Festival?

Dashain festival in Nepal consists of 15 days where the first five days are the days of preparation and the remaining 10 days are celebrated with main rituals and associations. 

As a Nepali, Dashain automatically means going back to your home, reuniting with other family members, applying tika and Jamara and receiving blessings along with money from elders and playing cards and “Linge Ping” in your village. Dashain festival in Nepal is defined by the following days:

Ghatasthapana

Dashain 2026 starts with Ghatasthapana which marks the beginning of the 15 days celebration. In 2026, Ghatasthapana is dated on 11th of September which makes it on 25th of Ashoj according to the Bikram Sambat calendar. 

On this day, the elder male of the Hindu family is responsible for “Sthapana of Durga” in puja room. The “Durga Sthapana” is done by placing a whole small banana tree with roots, sugarcane with its’s above green leaves, and other puja items making a rectangular altar. 

This rectangular altar, usually made up of a mixture of sacred sand and soil where seeds of barley, wheat or corn are sown and is placed in the shady corner of the prayer room. In the middle of this altar, Kalash or holy vessel made up of brass, a symbol of goddess Durga, is kept which is filled with holy water from a sacred river. 

The Kalash is worshipped and seeds are watered regularly to germinate in dark for nine days and these areas are often prohibited to watch by female members of the family. After 9 days, these seeds germinate into a greenish yellow sacred plant which is known as Jamara, the living and physical manifestation of Goddess Durga’s blessing. 

Note: This rituals varies according to the different backgrounds and ethnic groups.

Fulpati

Fulpati is the 7th day of the Dashain which falls on the 31st of Ashoj as per Nepali calendar. It falls on 17 October, 2026. A mixture of varieties of flowers, Jamara, Kalash, Banana stalks, sugarcane tied with red cloth and other Tika items makes Fulpati. 

Historic Rituals

There is a tradition of bringing Fulpati consisting of Jamara, Royal Kalash, Banana stalks, sugarcane tied with red cloth and other Tika items all the way from Gorkha district. Six Magar people along with the priest from Gorkha bring Fulpati to Dashain Ghar of Hanuman Dhoka while Six Brahmin people of Jivanpur in Dhading district bring Fulpati to Jamal. 

Then, these groups take a round from Jamal to Tundikhel towards Hanuman Dhoka with band music, and Panche Baja bands is joined by:

• The Gurujyuko Platoon,
• Nepal Army,
• Nepal Police, and
• High-ranking officials of Armed Police and civil service.

In Tundikhel, the arrival of Fulpati is celebrated by continuous firing of the weapons for about 15 minutes with the presence of high ranked officials. In addition to this, the priest performed the puja rituals while offering nine types of flowers and plants to Goddess Durga after the arrival of Fulpati in Dashain Ghar, Hanuman Dhoka. This rituals will also followed on Fulpati 2026. 

Home Rituals

The head of the family, brings an assortment of leaves, fruits, and flowers collectively called Fulpati inside their Puja room and continues doing the puja rituals for Goddess Durga. It is believed that lighting Diyo, an oil lamp also known as “Akhand Jyoti” dedicated to Goddess Durga should be burned throughout the Navaratri. 

Maha Asthami

Maha Asthami falls on the 18th of October in Dashain 2026. As per Nepali Calendar, Maha Asthami or Kaal Ratri is on First of Kartik, 2083.

Animal Sacrifice

The name Kaal Ratri means “night of death” and is devoted to Goddess Kali, a blood thirsty incarnation of the Durga. Locals worship her by sacrificing buffalo, goats, sheep, poultry in temples or in their home while praying for protection from evil forces and for the courage to overcome their fears. 

This sacrifice of blood is considered pure and is believed that Goddess Kali will grant courage, strength to devotees so that they can tackle all the life obstacles fearlessly. The sacrificed animal’s meat becomes prasad which is cooked and later enjoyed with other delicacies. 

Khadga Puja

The rituals done to worship swords (Khadga) and other weapons is known as “Khadga Puja”. It is usually performed in Newar communities which is done for  protection against accidents, harm so that they can have a successful year ahead.

Maha Navami

The ninth day of Dashain festival is called Maha Navami which will be celebrated on Kartik 3, 2083. It falls on 20th of October, 2026 and is considered as the last day of the Navaratri. 

Sacrifice for Goddess Durga

This day also includes worship of Goddess Durga by sacrificing animals like goats, ducks, and buffalos, which are made at temples and homes. The recitation of Durga Saptasati and Devi Stotra scriptures is done at home and in temples. 

Ayudha Puja

Besides this, locals also worship their vehicles like bike, scooter, car with red vermillion by offering coconuts, sweets, and fruit along with decorating them with four colored (red, yellow, green, and blue) “Dhvaja”, and this ceremony is known as Ayudha Puja. This symbolizes the importance of one’s profession and seeking safety and protection from Goddess like Sarawati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. 

Furthermore, many temples  like Taleju of Hanuman Dhoka, Manakamana temple in Gorkha become crowded by devotees.  

Vijaya Dashami – The Tika Day

The day 10, the heart of the entire festival is called Vijaya Dashami, or the day of Tika Ceremony. This year Vijaya Dashami 2026 falls on 21st October. Almost every member of the family wears a new set of traditional clothing like saree, kurtha, Daura Suruwal with some make up and jewelry for Tika.

The tika ceremony starts as per the time mentioned by the Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti where the elder member of the family applies tika (a mixture of uncooked rice grain, yogurt, and red vermillion powder) to other family members.

Elders chant Sanskrit mantras for longevity, prosperity, protection, and overall well-being while applying tika and putting Jamara behind the ear to male and placing on the back of hair to female while younger members kneel down before them(son, daughter in law, grandson kneel before their parents while parents bow their daughter’s feet).

The best part of Tika day is receiving money and going to my maternal uncle’s house. The process of receiving tika from other elders relatives continues in village.

Kojragrat Purnima – Final Day of Dashain

The fifteenth and final day of Dashain is known as Kojagrat Purnima or Kojagri Purnima. The word “Kojagrat” means “ who is awake” and “Purnima“ means “Full Moon”.

The day is celebrated by worshipping Mahalaxmi, goddess of wealth and people believed the goddess will descend down and bless her with wealth. Today marks the final day of receiving Tika, Jamara, and blessing.

Tradition Associated with Dashain Festival in Nepal

Playing Bamboo Swing

Locals of Country sides built bamboo swings known as “Linge Ping” in open space. There is a belief that one must do “dharti xodnu” that refers to leaving the ground by playing bamboo swings. 

Flying Kites

Dashain is also known as the festival of kites and it is enjoyed by every age group from children to adults. The sky of city areas like Kathmandu valley is filled with colorful kites and some groups also organize Kite flying competitions. 

Playing Cards and Festive Gathering

Many families will be spending quality time with each other by playing cards like the previous year in Dashain 2026. These traditions make family and relatives become closer and are a way of sharing happiness and stories.

Foods and Delicacies of Dashain 2026

When talking about Dashain the main part we should not forget is food. During Dashain 2026, families prepare large feasts and traditional dishes while enjoying it with family and relatives like: 

• Goat meat curry or Pakku
• Bhuttan and Rakti
• Sel roti (sweet rice bread)
• Yogurt and beaten rice
• Gorkhey Achar (Pickles)
• Other items like fried Papad, Prawns etc. 

Mostly locals enjoy these items with soft and hard drinks according to their preference.

How Foreigner Can experience Dashain 2026?

If you want to experience this vibrant festival, Dashain in 2026, you can enjoy this festival in a meaningful ways like:

• Combining trekking via certified trekking agency like Awesome Holidays Nepal.
• Booking a certified guide and exploring nearby Kathmandu villages.
• Participate in Tika ceremonies with guides family and tasting Dashain feast.
• Observing kite flying tradition and playing bamboo swings.
• Visit Hanuman Dhoka, during Fulpati, Maha Asthami, Maha Navami, if you are in Kathmandu valley.

Travel Tips for Foreigners During Dashain 2026

If you are planning to visit Nepal during Dashain 2026, then you should follow these travel tips to make your journey more safer and memorable.

Transportation Challenges

Foreigners should be ready to face a crowded transportation as almost million of people leave Kathmandu valley to their hometowns. So, you should book the domestic flights 2 to 3 months in advance and makes extra buffer days in your holiday itinerary.

You should always reserve tourist bus in advance and expect delays and traffic congestion when traveling via roads.

Hotel Availability

Most of the family-run hotels and lodges become closed during Dashain holidays from Fulpati, so book your hotels early being utmost careful.

Trekking

The festive season is considered peak season for trekking, so every teahouses and lodges gets books before 2 to 3 months in advance. You should also do the same and during Dashain festival instead of trekking we suggest you to be part of the festival and enjoy wherever you are.

Learn Basic Nepali

You should learn few Nepali phrase so that you can get in touched with locals as they are quite friendly.

• Namaste: Hello
• Dhanyabad : Thank you
• Dashain ko Subhakamana: Happy Dashain

Have Flexible Plans

During Dashain festival,  schedules of transportation, and local services may change unexpectedly so keeping flexible travel plans can help reduce stress and allow you to enjoy spontaneous cultural experiences fully in 2026.

Cultural Etiquette for Travelers During Dashain 2026

• Always respect religious customs by removing shoes before entering a house and temple.
• Make sure to wear modest clothes which are not too revealing which cover knees and shoulders. 

• Accept food, tea, or Tika politely as Nepalese are too generous and kind.
• Always ask for permission before taking photos during ceremonies or rituals.
• Be patient as transportation delays are normal during Dashain 2026.

Final Verdict on Grand Nepali Festival, Dashain 2026

Dashain also known as Vijaya Dashami is a festival which brings families together, fills an empty corner of the house with laughter, joy and enjoyment. From witnessing cannon fire at Tundikhel to encountering animal sacrifice rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga and receiving sacred vermillion Tika from elders, Dashain offers a unique cultural experience that reflects Nepal’s deep spiritual traditions, family values, and centuries-old celebrations.

If you are travelling to Nepal just to experience the Dashain festival through the eyes of Nepalese, then join Awesome Holidays Nepal so that you can have the most rewarding times in 2026.