Dashain 2026: When Is Biggest Nepali Festival? Know Dates, Rituals, Tika Muhurat and Jamara - Complete 15-Day Calendar From Ghatasthapana to Vijaya Dashami

Dashain 2026 is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals among Nepali communities, including Nepali-speaking families living across Nepal, India and other parts of the world. Also known as Bada Dashain, Bijaya Dashami or Dashain Tika, the festival brings families together for worship, blessings, feasting and the exchange of Tika and Jamara.

In 2026, Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana on October 11 and the main Vijaya Dashami or Dashain Tika falls on October 21. The festival traditionally continues for 15 days, with Ghatasthapana, Phulpati, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijaya Dashami being among its most significant observances.

For Nepali families living outside their ancestral homes, Dashain is particularly associated with returning to family, visiting elders, receiving blessings and keeping cultural traditions alive across generations.


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Dashain 2026: Date and Important Days

The major dates of Dashain 2026 are:

Dashain Day	Date	Festival/Observance
Day 1	October 11, 2026	Ghatasthapana
Day 7	October 17, 2026	Phulpati
Day 8	October 18, 2026	Maha Ashtami
Day 9	October 19, 2026	Maha Navami
Day 10	October 21, 2026	Vijaya Dashami, Dashain Tika
Day 15	October 25, 2026	Kojagrat Purnima

The Dashain calendar places October 20 as Maha Navami and October 21 as Vijaya Dashami, making October 21 the principal day for Dashain Tika and Jamara.

Why Is Dashain Celebrated?

Dashain is closely associated with the worship of Goddess Durga and the victory of good over evil. The festival honours Shakti and celebrates the triumph of divine power over forces of negativity. For many Nepali communities, however, Dashain is more than a religious observance. It is also a major family and cultural occasion. Relatives gather, younger family members seek blessings from elders, traditional foods are prepared and homes become centres of celebration.

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Ghatasthapana 2026: When Is It?

Ghatasthapana falls on October 11, 2026, marking the beginning of the main Dashain period. On this day, many families establish a Kalash and begin the ritual process that leads to the growing of Jamara. A special mixture of soil and seeds, traditionally including barley, is prepared in a clean and sacred space.

The seeds are kept away from direct sunlight and watered according to family tradition. Over the following days, they grow into the yellow-green shoots known as Jamara. Jamara is later used along with Tika on Vijaya Dashami.

Phulpati 2026

Phulpati will be observed on October 17, 2026.

Phulpati marks the seventh day of Dashain and has special cultural significance. Traditionally, a collection of sacred flowers, leaves, plants and other auspicious items is brought into the household or worship space as part of the Dashain rituals.

The specific Phulpati customs can differ between families and communities, but the day generally represents the strengthening of the sacred atmosphere as Dashain approaches its most important days.

Maha Ashtami 2026

Maha Ashtami falls on October 18, 2026. Maha Ashtami is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her powerful forms. Special prayers and offerings are made on this day, with families observing their own traditional rituals.

In some traditions, animal sacrifice is associated with the festival, while many families follow vegetarian offerings and other forms of worship. Practices can therefore vary significantly according to family, community and regional tradition.

Maha Navami 2026

Maha Navami falls on October 19, 2026. Maha Navami is another important day of worship during Dashain. Devotees continue prayers to Goddess Durga and perform rituals seeking protection, prosperity and strength.

For some families, tools, vehicles, agricultural equipment and other instruments of work are also worshipped as part of Navami traditions.

Vijaya Dashami 2026: When Is Dashain Tika?

The main Vijaya Dashami or Dashain Tika will be observed on October 21, 2026. This is the most significant day of Dashain for many Nepali families. Elders apply Tika and Jamara to younger relatives and give them blessings for health, happiness, prosperity and a successful year ahead.

Dashain Tika Muhurat 2026

The commonly cited Dashain Tika Saait for 2026 is 11:53 AM Nepal Standard Time on October 21. This is the reference auspicious time announced for Vijaya Dashami.

For families living in India, the exact local timing can be different because of the time-zone difference and because local Panchang calculations may vary. For example, the Nepal reference time of 11:53 AM corresponds to approximately 11:23 AM IST.

Therefore, families in different Indian cities may prefer to follow their local Panchang, family tradition or community priest for the precise Tika timing rather than treating the Nepal reference time as a universal deadline.

What Is Dashain Tika?

Dashain Tika is traditionally prepared using ingredients including rice, vermilion and Jamara. Elders place Tika on the foreheads of younger family members and put Jamara on their heads or behind their ears, depending on family tradition.

The ceremony is accompanied by blessings and good wishes. For many families, the emotional importance of Tika lies in the relationship between generations. Children and younger relatives visit parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and other elders to receive their blessings. The practice can continue beyond the principal Tika day, with families visiting different relatives over the following days.

What Is Jamara and Why Is It Important?

Jamara is one of the most recognisable symbols of Dashain. It consists of tender yellow-green shoots grown from seeds during the days following Ghatasthapana. Traditionally, barley is among the seeds used for growing Jamara.

The seeds are planted on Ghatasthapana and nurtured in a protected, dark environment so that the shoots develop their characteristic pale colour. On Vijaya Dashami, the Jamara is used together with Tika during the blessing ceremony.

For many Nepali families, Jamara represents growth, prosperity, vitality and auspiciousness. Its presence during Tika also connects the main Dashain celebration to the rituals that began on Ghatasthapana.

Dashain Rituals and Traditions

While customs differ from one family and community to another, some of the most widely recognised Dashain traditions include:

1. Ghatasthapana

The festival begins with the establishment of the sacred Kalash and sowing of seeds for Jamara.

2. Growing Jamara

Seeds are nurtured throughout the Dashain period and the resulting shoots are kept for use during Tika.

3. Phulpati

Sacred plants, flowers and auspicious items are brought together as part of the seventh-day observance.

4. Durga Puja

Goddess Durga and her manifestations are worshipped during the important days of Dashain.

5. Family Gatherings

Relatives make time to meet, travel to family homes and celebrate together.

6. Receiving Tika and Jamara

On Vijaya Dashami, elders bless younger family members with Tika and Jamara.

7. Traditional Food and Feasting

Dashain is also associated with special family meals, sweets and traditional dishes prepared during the festive period.

Why Is Dashain So Important to Nepali Communities?

Dashain carries both religious and cultural significance. Its importance extends beyond a particular place because Nepali families and communities observe the festival wherever they live.

For Nepali people living in India, Dashain can be an important opportunity to reconnect with family traditions while living away from ancestral homes. Families may travel to meet relatives, organise Tika ceremonies at home or participate in community celebrations.

The way Dashain is observed can differ depending on family customs, community traditions and location. Some households may follow elaborate rituals, while others focus primarily on family gatherings, worship, Tika and Jamara.

Dashain 2026: When Does the Festival End?

The 15-day Dashain period culminates with Kojagrat Purnima on October 25, 2026. The main Tika ceremony takes place earlier, on Vijaya Dashami, October 21. The period between Vijaya Dashami and Kojagrat Purnima is significant because families may continue visiting elders and receiving or giving Tika and blessings.