Dashain Wallpaper 2012, a photo by aannda on Flickr.

Happy Dashain & Tihar to all Nepalese.

Dashain is the 15-day national festival of our country Nepal. It is the biggest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese cullture, celebrated by Nepalese of all casts throughout the globe. It is not only the biggestt festival of the country but is also the one which is most anticipated. The festival falls around September–October (Asoj, sometimes Kartik as Nepali Calender), starting from the bright lunar fortnight and ending on the day of full moon. Dasain is also popularly referred to as Bada Dasain, Dashera, Vijaya Dashami etc.

Throughout the country the goddess Durga in all her manifestations is worshiped with innumerable pujas, abundant offerings and thousands of animal sacrifices for the ritual of holy bathing, drenching the goddess for days in blood. This festival is also known for its emphasis on the family gatherings, as well as on a renewal of community ties. People return from all parts of the world, as well as different parts of the country, to celebrate together. All government offices, educational institutions and other offices remain closed during the festival period.