KATHMANDU: Today, Nepalis across the country celebrated the main day of Dashain, the festival of victory and prosperity, by receiving Tika and Jamara at the most auspicious time of 11:53 am, as declared by the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti. (Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee).

Families gathered together in homes, temples, and community halls to mark the occasion, exchanging blessings, gifts, and seasonal delicacies.

Dashain, celebrated for 15 days during the bright fortnight of Ashwin, honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

The festival is considered the longest and most important Hindu festival in Nepal, drawing families from all corners of the country together.

During today’s main celebration, elders placed Tika (a mixture of red vermillion, yogurt, and rice) and Jamara (barley seedlings grown at the start of the festival) on the foreheads of younger relatives, while offering blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.

Families also perform puja rituals, worship the goddess, and share festive meals including traditional meat, rice, sweets, and seasonal fruits.

Dashain is also marked by flying kites, animal sacrifices at temples, swings on bamboo structures, and large-scale gatherings in open spaces, especially in villages and towns.

Many Nepalis living abroad have joined the celebrations virtually or through community events, sending remittances and gifts back home to participate in the festival spirit.

This year, the festival witnessed strict adherence to auspicious timings, with the main Tika ceremony precisely observed at 11:53 am.

Local markets were bustling with people purchasing new clothes, sacred offerings, sweets, and seasonal fruits, while transportation hubs saw increased movement of families traveling to their hometowns.