Nepal: Maha Navami(Navratri) – October 4, 2022, history, spiritual importance
Maha Navami is well known for being celebrated in Nepal on the ninth day of the Bada Dashain festival, which happens for 15 days. This year, it falls on October 4.
In particular, Maha Navami falls on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asoj as per the lunar calendar, landing mostly in September or October in recent years. The main reason for rejoicing is that the patrons and admirers believe in the greatness and strength of Goddess Durga in protecting them against all that is evil in the world.
HISTORY OF NEPAL: MAHA NAVAMI
Dashain is considered one of the most important and popular festivals celebrated not only in Nepal but all over the world by Hindus. In Nepal, the festival is also known as the “Mother of All Festivals.” The particular way Dashain is celebrated in Nepal is that it’s observed for 15 long consecutive days and ends on the full moon day, which is known as ‘Purnima.’ According to the English calendar, the Dashain festival begins on October 17, 2022.
Each day of the 15 days is special to Hindus, and they already have traditions and customs to follow. Although on the ninth day, which is called Maha Navami, it is believed that the Goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the demon Mahishasura. On this day, practicing devotees attend special worship of Goddess Durga and make many offerings to various shrines. Male buffalos, roosters, ducks, and billy goats are one of the many that are sacrificed on this day to pledge to the goddess.
For those who do not have the means to offer animals or birds, they offer fruits and vegetables instead as another form of sacrifice. In addition to this, the faithful also makes a trip to visit Taleju Temple in the capital city, even with the very long waiting lines. This temple is only opened once a year on the particular day of Maha Navami, which is why people really flock and consider it a special day in the Dashain festival.
NEPAL: MAHA NAVAMI TIMELINE
September 26, 2022
The First Day of Dashain
The first day of Dashain is called ‘Ghatasthapana,’ and a Kalash is filled.
October 3, 2022
Maha Asthami
People perform various rituals as an offering.
October 4, 2022
The Ninth Day
This day is celebrated as Maha Navami — the temple is open for visitors.
October 7, 2022
The Seventh Day
‘Fulpati’ is the seventh day, when people start cleansing and decorating their homes.
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HOW TO OBSERVE NEPAL: MAHA NAVAMI
Visit Nepal
Visit Nepal to celebrate Maha Navami, but also the entire Dashain. The daily celebrations are festive and wonderful, and you can take part in a very important Hindu custom.
Wear some new clothes
One way to feel the spirit of the festival is by wearing new clothes to mark the defeat of evil by Goddess Durga. Almost all the shops have discounts for this manifested festival.
Make your own swing
Bamboo swings are made in many parts of the country to celebrate, which represents the culture, spirit, and fun of the local tradition. These swings are called ‘ping’ in Nepal.
5 FACTS ABOUT DASHAIN YOU OUGHT TO KNOW
Homes are cleansed and decorated
People clean and even paint their houses as an invitation to the mother goddess.
Reunions take place
During Dashain, families, and friends gather to celebrate this belief.
Many animals are slaughtered
They believe that the best sacrifice to offer is the fresh blood of animals.
Cars and tools are worshiped
People believe that worshiping vehicles will prevent accidents from happening all year round.
They wait for the full moon
The last and 15th day of the festival is when the full moon shows.
WHY NEPAL: MAHA NAVAMI IS IMPORTANT
It is a time for blessings
Maha Navami is specifically the day when people celebrate the victory of Goddess Durga in fighting off evil for peace and unity. People celebrate the festival Dashain to come together in joy and spirit.
It is a time to see your loved ones
The 15 days of celebration is an opportunity to reunite with your family and relatives. Dashain is the long-awaited festival where people have the time to see people they love since you’re all there for a purpose.
A time to rejoice
This festival is also an opportunity for people to have fun. People do more activities such as putting on new clothes, eating new delicacies, creating swings, flying kites, playing cards, and more.
