As the majority population in Nepal are Hindu, Dashain is the most biggest festival in Nepal. The festival is also known as ‘Vijaya Dashami’ in Nepali which symbolizes the triumph of goddess Durga over the evil ‘Mahishasura’.
If you are looking for the Dashain tika sahit 2025 or if you want to learn how the festival is celebrated and how it affects travel and trekking as a tourist travelling to Nepal during festive season. From the auspicious tika time and festival dates to key rituals, travel tips, and trekking advice. This blog covers everything you need to know.
Dashain 2025 in Nepal – Dates & Significance
Nepal doesn't follow Gregorian calendar instead they follow hindu lunar calendar using 'Bikram Sambat' instead of AD. So, technically Nepal is in the year 2082 B.S. According to the position of the moon and tithi, Dashain dates are determined. So, it keeps changing, mostly it aligns with September of October of the Gregorian calendar. The festival lasts for 15 days starting from Ghatasthapana and concluding in Kojagrat Purnima.
Important Dashain 2025 Dates
Day 1: Ghatasthapana – Monday, September 22, 2025, Monday
Day 7: Fulpati – Monday, September 29, 2025
Day 8: Maha Ashtami – Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Day 9: Maha Navami – Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Day 10: Vijaya Dashami/Tika Day – Thursday, October 2, 2025
Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima – Monday, October 6, 2025
How is Dashain Celebrated?
People flying kite and swing during Dashain
Day 1: Ghatasthapana (September 22, Monday)
This is the first day of Dashain. On this day, Barley are sown so that it grows and becomes ready to use on the 10th day of the festival. This barely shoot grows for like 10 days and is called jamara. Additionally, Hindus start their prayer to goddess Durga, and prepare the upcoming days.
Day 7: Fulpati (September 29, Monday)
Fulpati is celebrated with the arrival of sacred plants and flowers (ful), symbolizing the goddess’s power. The royal family traditionally receives Fulpati from Gorkha, and in homes, people place it on their altars along with jamara. It is a day of processions and blessings.
Day 8: Maha Ashtami (September 30, Tuesday)
On the 8th day, Devotees honour the strength of goddess Durga and her fierce form. There is a custom of sacrificing animal in temples and homes on this day. After that special puja is done worshipping Durga mata seeking protection from her. This day is the most auspicious day to worship goddess Durga.
Day 9: Maha Navami (October 1, Wednesday)
The worship of Goddess Durga continues on Maha Navami. In order to honor their vehicles, tools, and instruments and to hope for success and safety, people perform Vahana Puja on this day. Temples are overflowing with worshippers making sacrifices and prayers.
Day 10: Vijaya Dashami / Tika Day (October 2, Thursday)
Tika, jamara and dakshina ready for Dashain tika
Vijaya Dashami is the most important day of Dashain, it is also the 10th day of the festival. On this day, we get blessings from our elders and give blessings to our youngers. During the ceremony the elders put tika (mixture of mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion- one kind of color) on the foreheads of the younger ones. In the picture above in the tray you can see yellow-green shoot of barely, which is called 'jamara', reddish thing is tika. One interesting part of this festival is, along with the blessings for longevity, success, and wealth, elders also give some money to the youngers, this is considered as 'Dakshina'. This ceremony continues till the last day of Dashain, - Kojagrat Purnima.
According to Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti, the auspicious tika time for Dashain Tika 2025 is 11:53 AM (Nepali time), on 2nd October 2025. This time is called Dashain Tika Sahit.
Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima (October 6, Monday):
This is the last day of Dashain is Kojagrat Purnima. Till this date, the tika ceremony of blessing to youngers by elderes ends on this day. On this day Goddess Laxmi (goddess if wealth) is worshipped for wealth and prosperity. After this day, schools, government offices reopens.
How Dashain Affects Daily Life in Nepal?
Dashain is not just a religious celebration but also a nationwide holiday that changes the daily life in Nepal.
Public holidays: Government offices, banks, and schools remain closed for over the festival.
Transportation rush: Millions of people travel from cities to their hometowns also from abroad to Nepal, making buses and flights extremely busy.
Markets and shopping: There is tradtion of wearing new clothes during Dashain. So, before and during the festival, markets become crowded as a lot of people go for shopping.
Festive atmosphere: In the cities they clean their home from top to bottom, also paint and make it look new. In the village they apply color of red sand and water to their homes. People set up swings (pings) and little ones enjoy playing swing and flying kites. So the atmosphere becomes vibrant. Slowly, the mid Dashain approaches, a lot of people move to their villages making cities empty.
Tourist services: While much of the country slows down, trekking companies, hotels, and restaurants remain open to ensure travelers receive full services during the festive period. This allows tourists to enjoy both the cultural celebration and their planned adventures without interruption.
Celebrating Dashain in Nepal – What Tourists Should Know
If you are a traveler in Nepal during Dashain, you have the unique chance to witness traditions that are deeply meaningful to locals.
Family gatherings: Whether you are trekking or just travelling, people might invite you to celebrate with them. So, you can join the tika ceremony and experience the culture and hospitality. You don't need to pay for this
Traditional food: During Dashain, the cultural foods like selroti, meat and other foods might be offered to you as well.
Cultural insights: Some communities still practice animal sacrifices (especially goats, buffaloes, and ducks) to honor Goddess Durga, which might be overwhelming for some tourists.
Festive vibe: Villages are lively, while major cities like Kathmandu may feel quieter due to fewer people and closed shops.
Tip: If you are open and respectful, many families will happily welcome you to celebrate Dashain with them.
Travel in Nepal During Dashain – Tips for Tourists
Since Dashain coincides with peak trekking season, careful planning is essential.
Book transportation early – Domestic flights and long-distance buses sell out weeks before Dashain.
Expect limited services – Many shops, banks, and government offices close, especially around tika day.
Plan treks in advance – Some guides and porters may return home for tika, so confirm availability.
Cultural etiquette – Accept tika respectfully if invited, dress modestly, and enjoy Nepali hospitality.
Enjoy local experiences – Try swings (ping), visit temples, and join community gatherings.
Trekking and Tours During Dashain 2025
October is one of the best months for trekking in Nepal, with clear skies and pleasant weather. Even during Dashain, trekking routes remain open and accessible.
Start your trek before tika day (October 1, 2025) or after the main festival to avoid transport rush.
Many trekking guides celebrate Dashain in the mountains, so you may get the chance to share tika and food even on the trail.
For cultural immersion, village treks during Dashain are especially rewarding.
People Also Ask about Dashain
1. Why are Dashain dates different every year?
Dashain follows the lunar calendar, which shifts annually. This is why the festival falls on different dates each year.
2. How many days is Dashain?
Dashain lasts for 15 days, beginning with Ghatasthapana and ending with Kojagrat Purnima.
3. What are the most important days of Dashain?
The key days are:
Ghatasthapana (Day 1)
Phulpati (Day 7)
Maha Ashtami (Day 8)
Maha Navami (Day 9)
Vijaya Dashami – Tika day (Day 10)
Kojagrat Purnima (Day 15)
4. What happens on Vijaya Dashami?
On this day, elders apply tika and jamara on the foreheads of younger relatives, blessing them for good health, long life, and prosperity.
5. Can tourists celebrate Dashain in Nepal?
Yes! Many families invite tourists to join tika ceremonies. It’s a unique opportunity to experience Nepali culture firsthand.
6. Is everything closed during Dashain?
Most government offices, banks, and schools close, but many tourist services, hotels, and trekking companies continue to operate.
