Vijaya Dashami Being Observed Across the Country Today

Hindus across Nepal are celebrating Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day of Dashain -- the country’s biggest festival -- with fanfare despite forecasts of rainfall across the country from Friday.

On this day, people of all castes and communities receive blessings and tika from their elders, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Dashain, which spans 15 days on the bright half of the lunar calendar in the month of Ashwin (mid-September to mid-October), draws people from far and near back to their homes.

Devotees worship Goddess Bhavani Siddhi-Datri today, who is regarded as the embodiment of victory. Religious texts mention that Lord Shiva invoked Goddess Siddhi-Datri on this day and assumed the form of Ardha-nareshwar, symbolizing the union of male and female powers. It is also believed that Lord Ram worshipped various forms of Goddess Bhavani during the nine nights of Dashain to seek blessings to defeat the demon Ravan.

On the tenth day, the goddesses invoked during the first nine days are bid farewell, and the festivities continue with merrymaking. Families visit relatives, pay respect to elders, and exchange blessings. The elderly offer tika and jamara to younger members of the family, wishing them longevity and prosperity.

According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, the most auspicious time for receiving tika and blessings this year is at 11:53 am today.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast an increase in monsoon activity across Nepal starting Friday, October 3, which may bring rainfall in many parts of the country. The public has been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions during festive travels.