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Dashain Festival 2026 - Tika Time, Dates, Traditions & Celebrations

Written by: Basu P Published On Sep 18, 2026

{"time":1789712066854,"blocks":[{"id":"YhSydplgUU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"What Is Dashain Festival?<\/b>"}},{"id":"hfeX4T8u7c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain is the biggest and one of the most important\nfestivals celebrated in Nepal. It is a time when families come together, homes\nbecome lively, and people take a break from their busy daily lives. The\nfestival is deeply connected with family, faith, blessings, and the victory of\ngood over evil. For many Nepali people, Dashain is not only a religious\nfestival but also an emotional part of their yearly life."}},{"id":"bqurV0a2XW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The main religious meaning of<a href=\"https:\/\/ntb.gov.np\/dashain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"> Dashain<\/a> is linked with the victory\nof Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Goddess Durga represents strength\nand protection, while the victory represents the triumph of good over evil.\nDuring the festival, devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga and\nvisit temples to offer prayers. The celebration also has strong connections\nwith other Hindu traditions and stories."}},{"id":"9_o4jY7keq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain is usually celebrated for about 15 days, beginning\nwith Ghatasthapana and ending with Kojagrat Purnima. Each day has its own\nmeaning and rituals. Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of the festival, when\nJamara seeds are planted in a sacred place. Phulpati, Maha Ashtami, Maha\nNavami, and Vijaya Dashami are among the most important days. On the main Tika\nday, elders place Tika and Jamara on younger family members and give them\nblessings."}},{"id":"prb0Sq81a-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The emotional heart of Dashain is the reunion of families.\nPeople living in cities often travel to their villages and hometowns to meet\nparents, grandparents, relatives, and old friends. For families living far from\nNepal, the festival can also bring strong memories of home, childhood, and\nfamily traditions. A simple Tika ceremony with parents can become one of the\nmost meaningful moments of the year."}},{"id":"gSDxPL2COO","type":"image","data":{"url":"https:\/\/media.tripcart.com\/images\/561\/web_561_1789711823_137803_6008_1920x1280.webp","caption":"","alt":"web_1771484285_758528_6404_85_1920x1280","width":1063,"height":709,"withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"stretched":false}},{"id":"R-y8YaHL0K","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain Festival 2026 will carry the same traditions that\nhave been passed from one generation to another. People buy new clothes,\nprepare special meals, clean their homes, visit relatives, fly kites, and take\npart in family gatherings. Children especially look forward to receiving\nblessings, gifts, and Dakshina from elders."}},{"id":"_5VWd4rWDd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The festival also has an important cultural role beyond\nreligion. It brings different generations together and gives younger people a\nchance to learn customs from their elders. In villages, towns, and cities\nacross Nepal, Dashain creates a shared festive atmosphere while allowing\ndifferent communities to celebrate according to their own local traditions."}},{"id":"hor_2x6Odf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For visitors, Dashain Festival 2026 offers a chance to see\nan important part of everyday Nepali culture, where religious rituals, family\nrelationships, food, travel, and old traditions come together"}},{"id":"7Mp-3JNCrY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Important Dashain 2026 Dates: Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat\nPurnima<\/b>"}},{"id":"fR0tGAjvE1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain is celebrated over 15 days, with different days\ncarrying their own rituals and meaning. In 2026, Dashain begins with\nGhatasthapana on 11 October and continues until Kojagrat Purnima on 25 October.\nThe main Tika day, Vijaya Dashami, falls on 21 October 2026. These dates follow\nthe Nepali lunar calendar, so the dates change each year."}},{"id":"d-w4NqgnSN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Ghatasthapana \u2013 11 October 2026"}},{"id":"dlY2XokCWc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Dashain. On this day,\nfamilies prepare a sacred place for worship and sow barley seeds to grow\nJamara. A Kalash is also placed as part of the puja. The Jamara grows in a dark\nand clean place for use during Vijaya Dashami. For many families, this is the\nmoment when the feeling of Dashain truly begins."}},{"id":"B7tQWLyHyE","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Phulpati \u2013 17 October 2026"}},{"id":"V9ye3Sfloe","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Phulpati is the seventh day of Dashain and is an important\nday in Nepal. Sacred flowers, leaves, plants, and other items are brought\ntogether as part of the traditional offering. In Kathmandu, the traditional\nPhulpati ceremony at Hanuman Dhoka is an important cultural event. Families\nalso continue their preparations for the main days of the festival."}},{"id":"nZu2qIdLRU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Maha Ashtami \u2013 18 October 2026"}},{"id":"9gFQMIc2WR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Maha Ashtami is the eighth day and is strongly connected\nwith the worship of Goddess Durga. Devotees visit temples and perform special\nprayers. In different parts of Nepal, people follow local customs on this day,\nmaking it an important religious part of Dashain."}},{"id":"8cLSzPS1Qs","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Maha Navami \u2013 20 October 2026"}},{"id":"SdTlxAk78R","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Maha Navami is the ninth day of Dashain. Many people worship\ntools, machines, vehicles, and other equipment used in daily work. The day is\nalso associated with special worship of Durga. For people working with\nvehicles, machinery, or traditional tools, these rituals carry a special\nmeaning."}},{"id":"mcJIOVtEQl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Vijaya Dashami \u2013 21 October 2026"}},{"id":"ABR9s90-TY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Vijaya Dashami is the main day of Dashain Festival 2026.\nFamilies gather to receive Tika and Jamara from their elders. Elders give\nblessings, and younger family members visit parents, grandparents, relatives,\nand other respected family members. New clothes, family meals, gifts, and\nDakshina are also common parts of the day."}},{"id":"Rh3b9FK543","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Kojagrat Purnima \u2013 25 October 2026"}},{"id":"HMhdsYPvDv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Kojagrat Purnima marks the closing stage of the 15-day\nDashain period. It falls on 25 October 2026. By this time, many family visits\nand Tika gatherings have come to an end, and people begin returning to their\nnormal routines. For families across Nepal, Dashain Festival 2026 connects\nthese different days through worship, family reunions, blessings, and\nlong-standing cultural traditions."}},{"id":"63cMt2oauo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain 2026 Tika Time Around the World<\/b>"}},{"id":"eKAhowb-z1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Vijaya Dashami is the main Tika day of Dashain and falls on\nWednesday, 21 October 2026. It is the day when families gather to receive Tika\nand Jamara from elders, along with blessings for health, happiness, peace, and\nprosperity. For Nepali families living abroad, knowing the Tika time in their\nlocal country is especially useful because the auspicious time is based on\nNepal\u2019s traditional calendar and then converted into the local time zone."}},{"id":"P7o6fRSCWr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For Dashain Festival 2026, the auspicious Tika Muhurat is\nlisted as 11:53 AM Nepal Standard Time on 21 October 2026. This time is\nreported as being confirmed by the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti. The Dashami\nTithi in Kathmandu continues until around 2:26 PM that day, so families may\nfollow their local tradition and the guidance of their family priest or\ncommunity."}},{"id":"wqR6UFq_m8","type":"image","data":{"url":"https:\/\/media.tripcart.com\/images\/561\/web_561_1789711896_834641_1493_1536x1024.webp","caption":"","alt":"web_561_1781248177_452769_2652_1536x1024","width":1063,"height":709,"withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"stretched":false}},{"id":"5oii7xUnwT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The approximate Tika time in major countries and cities is:"}},{"id":"bojr1oQ9lX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Nepal \u2013 11:53 AM, Wednesday, 21 October"}},{"id":"xLrvsXyJRY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"India \u2013 11:38 AM, Wednesday, 21 October"}},{"id":"Fz7kD_E5oI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"United Kingdom \u2013 7:08 AM, Wednesday, 21 October"}},{"id":"uMjbSILVBd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"USA, New York \u2013 2:08 AM, Wednesday, 21 October"}},{"id":"qqt83WpTlC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"USA, Los Angeles \u2013 11:08 PM, Tuesday, 20 October"}},{"id":"kuAZbpEQor","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Canada, Toronto \u2013 2:08 AM, Wednesday, 21 October"}},{"id":"1yhRlvaFFm","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Canada, Vancouver \u2013 11:08 PM, Tuesday, 20 October"}},{"id":"1dGny0VRpL","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Australia, Sydney \u2013 5:08 PM, Wednesday, 21 October"}},{"id":"5kupvtIlE8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Japan \u2013 3:08 PM, Wednesday, 21 October"}},{"id":"s0mu7U5ZOq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"UAE, Dubai \u2013 10:08 AM, Wednesday, 21 October"}},{"id":"knyoLcC8VU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Malaysia \u2013 2:08 PM, Wednesday, 21 October"}},{"id":"d2fG8sf8bc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Hong Kong \u2013 2:08 PM, Wednesday, 21 October"}},{"id":"IjfmKg0IhZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"These conversions are based on the 11:53 AM Nepal time\nreference and the applicable daylight-saving time in each location."}},{"id":"M9kJ03DYtB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The difference in time can make Dashain especially\nmeaningful for Nepali communities overseas. A family in Nepal may be preparing\nTika around midday, while relatives in Australia may be celebrating in the\nafternoon and family members in North America may be receiving Tika very early\nin the morning or even on the previous calendar date."}},{"id":"RkF-dvQK_y","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The exact local Tika time should always be checked against\nthe official Nepali calendar or Panchang used by your family or local Nepali\ncommunity. Lunar dates and religious timings are calculated according to\nlocation, so a converted time should be treated as a guide rather than a\nreplacement for local religious guidance. Dashain Festival 2026 gives Nepalis\naround the world another opportunity to share the same family tradition across\ndifferent time zones."}},{"id":"AbToVOs2ee","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain Traditions and Rituals in Nepal<\/b>"}},{"id":"XR-8-oBfj9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain is deeply connected with the traditions, faith, and\nfamily life of Nepal. During Dashain Festival 2026, homes across the country\nwill once again follow customs that have been passed from parents and\ngrandparents to younger generations. Although the way people celebrate can\ndiffer from one place to another, the feeling of family, respect, blessings,\nand devotion remains at the heart of the festival."}},{"id":"mbuf7IQRko","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"One of the first important rituals is Ghatasthapana. On this\nday, families prepare a clean and sacred place for worship and sow barley seeds\nto grow Jamara. The seeds are kept away from direct sunlight, allowing the\nyoung shoots to grow yellow. Jamara is later used together with Tika on Vijaya\nDashami and is an important symbol of Dashain."}},{"id":"qJZsWEGb9n","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Worship of Goddess Durga is another central part of the\nfestival. Families offer prayers to Durga and her different forms, asking for\nstrength, protection, peace, and prosperity. Special pujas are performed during\nthe important days of Dashain, particularly during Maha Ashtami and Maha\nNavami."}},{"id":"mkrIdZgj5Q","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Phulpati is another special tradition. On the seventh day,\nsacred plants, flowers, leaves, and other items are brought together as part of\nthe traditional offering. The Phulpati ceremony at Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu\nis one of the well-known public traditions connected with Dashain."}},{"id":"HEmBkvTB4z","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The most emotional tradition for many Nepali families is\nreceiving Tika and Jamara from elders. On Vijaya Dashami, younger family\nmembers visit their parents, grandparents, and other respected relatives.\nElders place Tika and Jamara on their foreheads and give blessings. Dakshina,\ngifts, and warm family conversations often make these visits special."}},{"id":"QnQssC27Kv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain is also a time for large family gatherings. People\nliving in cities often travel to their villages and hometowns, sometimes\nspending many hours on the road to meet their loved ones. Houses become busy with\ncooking, laughter, conversations, and visits from relatives."}},{"id":"sPVHRBVz1k","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Food is an important part of the celebration. Families\nprepare meat dishes, rice, sel roti, achar, sweets, and other traditional\nfoods. New clothes, kite flying, playing cards, visiting temples, and meeting\nneighbors are also common customs."}},{"id":"AGin5IQ1t-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Traditions can change across Nepal. Newar communities in the\nKathmandu Valley, people in the hills, Terai communities, and families from the\nHimalayan regions may follow different rituals and foods. Some communities\nplace greater focus on particular forms of Durga worship, while others have\ntheir own local customs."}},{"id":"ODYeaU87SF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"These different practices make Dashain Festival 2026 a\nreflection of Nepal\u2019s rich cultural diversity, where one festival can bring\ntogether many communities while keeping family traditions alive."}},{"id":"kL1GM3nUZj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"How Is Dashain Celebrated in Nepal?<\/b>"}},{"id":"GOjlBgMT8j","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain brings a special feeling to homes, streets,\nvillages, and cities across Nepal. It is a time when people slow down from\ntheir busy lives and make space for family, food, worship, and old traditions.\nDuring Dashain Festival 2026, millions of Nepali people will travel, meet loved\nones, visit temples, and take part in customs that have been followed for\ngenerations."}},{"id":"bNuvHCv4wx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Family gatherings are at the heart of Dashain. Many people\nliving and working in Kathmandu and other cities return to their hometowns and\nvillages. Some travel long distances by bus, car, motorcycle, or flight just to\nspend a few days with their parents and relatives. For elderly parents and\ngrandparents, having the whole family home can be one of the happiest parts of\nthe festival."}},{"id":"P-WnLDHftR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Tika and Jamara ceremony is the most important family\nevent on Vijaya Dashami. Younger family members visit their elders, who place\nTika and Jamara on their foreheads and give blessings. Elders may also give\nDakshina or gifts to children and younger relatives. Homes can remain busy\nthroughout the day as families visit one another."}},{"id":"Pvu5sCxLRp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Buying new clothes is another popular part of Dashain.\nMarkets become busy before the festival as families shop for clothes, shoes,\ngifts, and household items. For children, wearing new clothes is often one of\nthe most exciting parts of the celebration."}},{"id":"AsR76sltoN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Kite flying adds a playful side to Dashain. Children and\nadults gather in open spaces and rooftops to fly colorful kites. Playing cards\nis also common among family members and friends, while people may enjoy\ntraditional games and other activities together."}},{"id":"HZh6JsA_6t","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Many families visit temples during Dashain to offer prayers\nand seek blessings. Temples dedicated to Goddess Durga and other Hindu deities\nbecome important places for worship during the festival."}},{"id":"jTQhFNJxvP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Food is another major part of the celebration. Families\nprepare special meals with rice, meat, vegetables, achar, sel roti, sweets, and\nother traditional dishes. Sharing a large meal with relatives often becomes a\nmemorable part of the day."}},{"id":"idWeKMOL3J","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Traveling to villages also gives Dashain a unique character.\nRoads and bus stations become busy as people return home with gifts and food.\nIn rural areas, the festival may feel quieter and more traditional, with family\nceremonies, local gatherings, and community celebrations."}},{"id":"Yvs230GkB3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain Festival 2026 will bring these familiar activities\ntogether once again, from crowded markets and busy roads to quiet family homes\nwhere generations sit together for Tika, food, stories, and blessings."}},{"id":"DaduAYRbYa","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain Food, Clothes, Gifts and Family Celebrations<\/b>"}},{"id":"qcrqQ8lCyz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Food, new clothes, gifts, and family time give Dashain a\nwarm and personal feeling in Nepal. Beyond the religious rituals, the festival\nis also about sitting together, sharing meals, remembering childhood\ntraditions, and enjoying time with people who may be living far away. During\nDashain Festival 2026, families across Nepal will prepare their homes and\nkitchens for days of gatherings and celebrations."}},{"id":"p00Xd9_xjp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Food is one of the most enjoyable parts of Dashain. Families\nprepare larger and more special meals than they normally do. Mutton, chicken,\nbuff, rice, dal, vegetables, achar, sel roti, and different sweets are common\nchoices. Some families prepare traditional dishes according to their community\nand region. Meat dishes are especially popular during the main days of the\nfestival, while homemade snacks and sweets are often shared with visiting\nrelatives and neighbors."}},{"id":"kDzxVHFPIc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Traditional Nepali meals during Dashain are not only about\neating. A large family meal can bring grandparents, parents, children, and\nrelatives around the same table. For people who have been away from home for\nmonths, the taste of familiar food can bring back memories of childhood and\nprevious Dashain celebrations."}},{"id":"E3ZdcXARC6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"New clothes are another important part of the festival.\nParents often buy new clothes for their children, while adults also choose\nsomething special to wear for Tika and family visits. Shopping becomes busy\nbefore Dashain as people purchase clothes, shoes, accessories, and gifts."}},{"id":"DStYC17jwr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Giving and receiving gifts is also common. Children often\nreceive Dakshina from elders after receiving Tika and Jamara. Some families\nalso exchange clothes, sweets, fruits, or other useful gifts. For children,\nreceiving Dakshina and visiting different relatives can become one of their\nfavorite Dashain memories."}},{"id":"E4oVO_FG_Y","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Children bring extra energy to the festival. They enjoy new\nclothes, kites, sweets, games, and visits to relatives. Adults may spend more\ntime talking, preparing food, playing cards, and meeting old friends."}},{"id":"cnhibOmlXD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain can feel different in villages and cities. In\nvillages, family celebrations may be closely connected with farming\ncommunities, local temples, traditional homes, and larger gatherings of\nrelatives. In cities such as Kathmandu, people may celebrate in apartments and\nurban neighborhoods, while many families travel outside the city to their\nancestral homes."}},{"id":"8flCnMrv7J","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For many Nepali families, Dashain Festival 2026 is therefore\nmore than a holiday. It is a time when food is shared, children receive\nblessings, relatives meet after long gaps, and familiar family traditions are\npassed to another generation."}},{"id":"OLuTFdjWkz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain 2026 Travel Guide: What Visitors Should Know<\/b>"}},{"id":"wNyMSLQf7S","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain is one of the best times to see the family and\ncultural side of Nepal. The festival changes the atmosphere across the country,\nfrom busy cities to quiet mountain villages. During Dashain Festival 2026,\nvisitors can see families preparing for Tika, people visiting temples, markets\nfilled with shoppers, and travelers returning to their hometowns. It is a\ndifferent side of Nepal from the usual trekking and sightseeing experience."}},{"id":"_lvpKQwsSQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Kathmandu during Dashain can feel both busy and unusually\nquiet. Before the main Tika day, markets, shops, bus stations, and airports can\nbecome very busy as people prepare for the festival or travel home. During the\nmain holidays, some parts of Kathmandu become quieter because many residents\nleave the capital. Visitors may notice fewer people and less traffic in some\nareas, while popular temples and cultural sites can still attract worshippers."}},{"id":"MoLC-uo-jE","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Temples are an important part of the festival. Visitors may\nsee people offering flowers, fruits, incense, and prayers to Goddess Durga and\nother deities. However, travelers should remember that these are religious\nactivities, not performances. It is respectful to dress modestly, ask before\ntaking photographs, and follow signs or instructions at temples."}},{"id":"KfrkBwAm-B","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Transport is an important consideration during Dashain.\nLarge numbers of people travel from cities to their hometowns, making buses,\nroads, and domestic flights particularly busy around the major festival days.\nSome shops, restaurants, offices, and businesses may also close or operate with\nshorter hours. Travelers planning to move between cities should arrange\nimportant transport and accommodation in advance."}},{"id":"VaxXDCN_6J","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Crowds can also affect travel plans. Roads leaving Kathmandu\nmay become busy, especially before the main Tika day. At the same time, some\ntourist areas can be quieter than usual. Keeping flexible travel plans can make\nit easier to adjust to changes during the holiday period."}},{"id":"cdn_OnKBcs","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tourists can experience Dashain respectfully by joining\ncultural activities only when invited or when they are clearly open to\nvisitors. Watching local celebrations, trying traditional food, learning about\nTika and Jamara, and speaking with local people can provide a deeper\nunderstanding of the festival."}},{"id":"NSqBspPLep","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dashain Festival 2026 can be especially <a href=\"https:\/\/nepalsocialtreks.com\/dashain-2026-in-nepal-best-treks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">meaningful for\ntravelers<\/a> who want to understand Nepal beyond its mountains. The festival shows\nthe importance of family, respect for elders, religious faith, hospitality,\ntraditional food, and community life. For someone visiting Nepal, seeing\nfamilies return home with gifts, children wearing new clothes, and relatives\ngathering for blessings can offer a genuine look at the cultural heart of the\ncountry."}}],"version":"2.31.0"}

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