Nepal is a land of vibrant colors due to it’s rich traditions, and deeply-rooted festivals. While Nepal is a portrait of majestic mountains & historic temples that draw many visitors, the portrait colors shines mostly during the festivals.
So, of all those festivals you have heard in Nepal, none is as grand or as important as Dashain festival. A ten-day celebration that marks the victory of good over evil, Dashain is a time for family reunions, elaborate feasts, and spiritual reflection.
During Dashain festival the entire country seems to come alive with joy, and people travel far and wide just to be with their loved ones. So, if you’re looking for a special way to experience the very soul of this beautiful nation, there’s no better time to visit than during,
Dashain Festival in Nepal. And for both first-time visitors and local families seeking a stress-free celebration, Hotel Blue Horizon provides the perfect sanctuary to immerse yourself in all the festivity without any of the hassle.
Understanding Dashain Festival: A 10-Day Journey of Victory
The roots of Dashain are steeped in ancient lore. The festival commemorates the epic tale of Goddess Durga and her triumph over the formidable demon Mahishasura. For nine days and nights, the Goddess, in her ten different manifestations, fought the demon until she finally prevailed. This victory is what Dashain celebrates, not only as a religious event but also as a reminder of the triumph of justice over evil. It also symbolizes the fertility of the land and a year of good harvest for the Nepalese people.
The festival unfolds over ten days, with each day holding unique significance. For anyone looking to visit, knowing these key dates is essential for planning your trip. For 2025, Dashain in Nepal promises to be especially memorable.
| Date | Festival Day | Significance & Activities |
| September 22 | Ghatasthapana | The first day of Dashain festival. Families clean their prayer rooms and sow barley seeds (Jamara) in a sacred pot (Kalasha), symbolizing the presence of Goddess Durga. |
| September 29 | Phulpati | The seventh day, a grand parade from Gorkha arrives in Kathmandu. A day of heavy travel, with roads becoming particularly hectic as people return to their hometowns. |
| September 30 | Maha Ashtami | The eighth day is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a fierce manifestation of Durga. It is a day of rituals and animal sacrifices in temples to appease the goddess. |
| October 1 | Maha Navami | The ninth day, celebrations peak. Temples, like the Taleju Temple in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, open to the public only on this day. |
| October 2 | Vijaya Dashami | The most important day of the festival. Elders bless younger relatives with the red Tika and yellow Jamara. The auspicious Tika time for 2025 is 9:38 AM (Nepali Time). |
The journey of the festival begins with Ghatasthapana on Monday, September 22, 2025, where families ceremoniously plant barley seeds and create a sacred kalasha. On the seventh day, Phulpati, which falls on Monday, September 29, a majestic parade travels from Gorkha to Kathmandu. This is when a lot of people go back to their ancestral homes, and so the roads get really hectic. Therefore, it’s wise to plan your travel around this day if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.
Maha Ashtami on September 30 is the eighth day and is devoted to the goddess Kali, known as one of the most formidable manifestations of Durga. Maha Navami, on Wednesday, October 1, is when ceremonies and worship reach a climax. This is the only day of the year when the Taleju Temples are open to the public, drawing long queues of devotees.
Finally, the festival culminates on the tenth day, Vijaya Dashami, on Thursday, October 2. This is the heart of the celebration. It is a day when families gather to receive Tika and blessings from their elders, a deeply significant ritual that strengthens bonds and promises good fortune. The specific auspicious time to receive Tika in 2025 is at 9:38 AM (Nepali Time), which is a detail that shows just how much significance this day holds. The festival extends to Kojagrat Purnima, the final date being October 6, 2025, according to the Nepali calendar.
Your Dashain Home Away from Home: The Hotel Blue Horizon Advantage
Now, imagine experiencing all of this magic without the common stresses that come with a festival. This is where Hotel Blue Horizon comes in. It’s the perfect place to celebrate Dashain Festival in Nepal, offering a unique blend of traditional celebration and modern comfort. For international tourists, it provides a safe, welcoming base from which to explore the local culture. For Nepali families, it offers a hassle-free, luxurious alternative to the traditional celebration at home.
You see, celebrating Dashain often involves a lot of work. The travel on packed roads during Phulpati can be difficult, and the endless cooking and hosting can feel like a burden. But what if you could have all the joy of family togetherness and delicious food without any of the headache? That’s what Hotel Blue Horizon promises. It allows families to truly focus on the core value of the festival: connecting with one another and strengthening bonds.
Similarly, our hotel makes sure the spirit of Dashain is always present. Our restaurant will be preparing a special “Dashain Feast” for our guests. You can savor traditional Nepali dishes like momo and mutton sekuwa while enjoying live traditional music and dancing, all activities that are part of the broader festivities. We have family suites and connecting rooms that are perfect for big family reunions. This gives you plenty of space to relax and share stories with relatives who you haven’t seen in a while.
A Curated Experience for Everyone
Hotel Blue Horizon’s biggest strength is its ability to cater to two very different audiences.
For the international tourist, the hotel acts as a cultural bridge. We understand that participating in local rituals can be daunting. Therefore, our staff will be happy to help organize a small, authentic Tika ceremony for guests on Vijaya Dashami.
This lets you respectfully take part in this central tradition and receive blessings, an experience you would not get anywhere else. Our concierge can also help arrange trips to the historic temples and provide guidance on how to navigate the bustling cities during this time. The tradition of flying colorful kites is also a major part of
Dashain Festival in Nepal, and on a clear, sunny afternoon, the sky is full of them. Our team can even help you find a great spot to join in on the fun.
For the Nepali family, we offer a new, modern way to celebrate. You get to skip the crowded roads and the long hours in the kitchen, and instead, enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
A stay with us means you can focus on making memories, telling stories, and simply being together. You don’t have to worry about cleaning or preparing a huge meal for everyone; we’ve got it all handled for you.
And for the younger generation, we can organize fun activities like kite flying contests from our grounds, just as it is traditionally done throughout the country. Although it may not be your ancestral home, we provide a curated experience that brings all the essential elements of
Dashain in Nepal right to you.
Practical Tips for Your Dashain Festival Trip
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-timer to Nepal, a bit of planning can make all the difference during this special season.
One of the most important things to remember is to book your accommodations and flights well in advance. Dashain is the busiest time for travel, so prices can go up and things book out fast. As mentioned, the roads get especially busy on the seventh day of the festival, so it’s a good idea to plan your journey before or after Phulpati to avoid the chaos.
Also, don’t forget to participate in the tradition of shopping for new clothes! Many stores across Nepal offer festive discounts during the holiday, making it a great time to shop for a new outfit to wear during the celebrations. And so on, there’s so many little traditions to enjoy.
Conclusion: Your Dashain Story Begins Here
Dashain in Nepal is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of family, faith, and the enduring human spirit. It is an experience that will stay with you forever, whether you are a tourist seeking cultural immersion or a Nepali family seeking a new way to celebrate togetherness.
At Hotel Blue Horizon, we believe that the true spirit of Dashain is in the bonds we strengthen and the memories we create. By choosing to stay with us, you are not just booking a room; you are choosing a hassle-free, comfortable, and deeply meaningful experience. Don’t just witness Dashain Festival in Nepal, live it. Book your stay today and create lasting memories for your family.