Dashain lasts fifteen days, and each stage has its own mood: quiet and devotional at the start, busy and joyful in the middle, warm and emotional on tika day. This guide walks through the festival step by step, explains what happens and why it matters, and suggests simple ways to welcome guests with tea at each stage. It is part of our wider complete guide to Dashain and Himalayan tea.

What is Dashain and why does it matter?

Dashain, also called Bijaya Dashami or Bada Dashain, is the biggest festival in the Nepali calendar. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, remembered through the worship of the goddess Durga, and it is the time of year when families make a special effort to be together. People travel from other cities and from abroad, shops and homes are cleaned, and elders bless the younger generation.

The festival follows the lunar calendar, so the dates move each year. In 2026 it begins with Ghatasthapana on 11 October and reaches Phulpati on 17 October. The exact tika timing is announced by the almanac each year, so it is best to confirm it locally.

Ghatasthapana: the first day

Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana. A kalash, a sacred vessel, is installed in a prayer room and barley seeds are sown in a bed of sand and soil. Over the following days the seeds sprout into yellow-green shoots called jamara, which will later be placed on heads as a blessing.

The mood on this day is calm and devotional. Many households wake early, bathe and keep the house peaceful.

The middle days: preparing the house and the family

The days between Ghatasthapana and Phulpati are about preparation. Homes are cleaned and decorated. Markets in Kathmandu, Pokhara and every town are crowded. New clothes are bought, gifts are chosen, and festival food is planned. Many families also begin to welcome early visitors.

This is the best time to stock the pantry. Having tea ready means you can offer a proper cup whenever someone arrives, without a rush to the shop. It is also a good time to choose gifts, since delivery and shopping get busier closer to Dashami. Our guide to Mahabachat tea bundles can help you decide.

Phulpati: the seventh day

Phulpati is the day the sacred flowers and leaves, brought in a ceremonial procession, are welcomed into the house or temple. In Kathmandu Valley the Phulpati procession is a well-known sight. For many families it is also the first big gathering of the festival, with guests arriving, special food on the table and long afternoons of conversation.

This year Phulpati falls on 17 October, the final day of our Dashain Mahabachat campaign.

Maha Asthami and Maha Navami: worship and feasting

The eighth and ninth days are marked by temple visits, worship and family meals. Many households prepare large feasts, and the table is busy from morning. Because the food is often rich, many hosts like to finish meals with something warm and light.

A small pot of tea after the meal, shared among the whole family, gives everyone a moment to slow down. Lighter teas such as green, white or herbal infusions are popular for this part of the day.

Vijaya Dashami: tika and blessings

Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day, is the heart of Dashain. Elders prepare tika, a mixture of rice, yogurt and vermilion, and place it on the foreheads of younger family members along with jamara and blessings. Younger relatives often receive dakshina, a gift of money, and bow to their elders in return.

The house is full, and tea is almost constant. Guests arrive in waves, and each one is offered a cup. Many families visit relatives across the neighbourhood or the city the same day, so tea is both what you serve and what you are served.

This is also the day on which gifts are most often given. A boxed tea set is a gift that can be opened and shared right away.

The days after Dashami: visiting relatives

The celebrations continue until the full moon, with families visiting each other and extended relatives meeting after a long time. These days are about conversation more than ritual, and tea is the quiet constant. It is also when many people finally slow down, which makes it a good moment for a longer tea session with a more special tea.

A simple tea plan for the whole festival

How to host with tea: a quick checklist

• Keep two or three teas ready so guests can choose.
• Offer a caffeine-free option for evening visitors.
• Use fresh water and follow the brewing guidance on each product page.
• Serve with something simple: sweets, fruit or snacks that pair with tea.
• Order gifts early so they arrive before Dashami.

Frequently asked questions

How many days is Dashain?

Dashain is celebrated over fifteen days, from Ghatasthapana to the full moon. The most important days are Phulpati, Maha Asthami, Maha Navami and Vijaya Dashami.

What is Ghatasthapana?

Ghatasthapana is the first day of Dashain, when a kalash is installed and barley seeds are planted to grow jamara.

What is Phulpati?

Phulpati is the seventh day of Dashain, when sacred flowers and leaves are brought in a ceremonial procession.

What tea should I serve guests during Dashain?

A mix works best: a black tea for traditional tastes, a lighter green or white tea, and a caffeine-free herbal tea for the evening.

Is tea a suitable gift for Dashain?

Yes. Tea is practical, easy to share, and can be gifted to people of any age.

Please note: This article is for general information and cultural interest only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Teas are food products regulated in Nepal under the Food Act 2081 and the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC). Individual experiences vary. If you are pregnant or nursing, take regular medication or have a health condition, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine.