Dashain Festival in Nepal: 5 Best Activities for Travelers

Dashain is Nepal’s longest and most important festival, celebrating the victory of the goddess Durga over evil and bringing families together. It lasts fifteen days, and travelers can join in with the Fulpati parade, an all-night Laxmi vigil on Kojagrata Purnima, colorful kite flying, friendly card games, and bamboo swings and ferris wheels. Each activity is an easy, welcoming way to experience Nepali culture.

Dashain list of activities that could be interesting for travelers.

Dashain is one of Nepal's most important, longest, most auspicious festivals; it takes place from September to October. It values relationships; it is the time to reunite with family to celebrate good fertility and harvest. 
Its celebration symbolizes the victory of justice over evil; it is to honor goddess Durga that fought against Mahishasura; she killed the demon and saved the whole country. She became the "sacred protector" Nepalese glorified her through this fifteen-day-long festival, and many different activities took place. It is very diversified, and each event of this festival is tempting and interesting to participate in to learn more about Nepali celebrations. Nepal is a country of countless festivals, Dashain being one of the most central for Nepalese, and participating in some activities would be an exceptional experience.

Here are some activities throughout Dashain festival:

The Fulpati (sacred flower) parade: You can observe hundreds of government officials parading wearing traditional clothes with the president (before this tradition was made with the king). They go from Gorkha to Kathmandu; this walk takes around three days. - This scenery would be very fascinating for visitors, it is an opportunity to see traditional outfits, important personalities of Nepal and learn more about the country while having a good time. A parade is quite impressive after all.

Kojagrata Purnima: Staying up all night to worship the goddess of wealth and luck, Laxmi. - Maybe travelers that are a bit of night owls could enjoy having this experience, night is a moment where you more easily share with people, it can create a very special moment for people sharing this experience.

Flying kits: To symbolize stopping rain. It is a beautiful view to witness kits of different sizes and colors floating in the wind, like a colorful wall protecting them from the rain after having a heavy rainy season. People of all generations join this event; sharing is a delightful moment. - It can be about just admiring or joining in, both seem quite attractive. This moment can seem magical with all the kits flying, it is not something you see every day.

Playing cards: Dashain festival is when you can go gambling and play cards; it can be with family, friends, or even strangers. It is the moment to be sociable. - It may be difficult if there is the barrier of language, however playing is a great way of connecting people together.

Playing swings and ferry wheels: swings are built with bamboo, sticks, and grass are constructed for Dashain; anyone can enjoy the swing. However, these activities are the most appreciated by children. They can have fun, feel the adrenaline, and share laughter. - A simple activity easy to join whatever your age or nationality, just need communication of a smile while you enjoy the swing or ferris wheel. It is a great way of participating in a Nepali activity without having too much to think about.