Dashain is Nepal’s longest and most beloved festival — a joyful season when families journey home, elders bless the young, and the whole country slows down to celebrate together.
If you’re hoping to experience Nepal this autumn, here’s what to expect and how to plan gently around the celebrations. Compare flights to Kathmandu and hotels in Kathmandu on Wego before prices climb.
Dashain 2026 dates and Tika time
Dashain 2026 runs from October 11 to October 25, spanning 15 days, though only a handful are major ritual days. Vijaya Dashami — the main Tika day — falls on Wednesday, October 21 (Kartik 4, 2083 BS). The dates below follow the Nepali calendar 2083 BS.
| Day | Date (2026) | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Ghatasthapana | Sun, Oct 11 | Festival begins; jamara seeds sown |
| Phulpati | Sat, Oct 17 | Sacred plants and flowers procession |
| Maha Ashtami | Sun, Oct 18 | Worship of goddess Durga |
| Maha Navami | Tue, Oct 20 | Ninth-day rituals and blessings |
| Vijaya Dashami (Tika) | Wed, Oct 21 | Elders give tika and jamara |
| Kojagrat Purnima | Sun, Oct 25 | Full-moon night; festival closes |
According to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti, the auspicious Tika time on Vijaya Dashami begins at 11:53 AM Nepal Standard Time. Most families apply tika through the afternoon.
What Dashain is and why it’s celebrated
Dashain celebrates the victory of good over evil — specifically the goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. The festival honors her power and the protection she offers.
For Nepali Hindus, it is also the year’s most cherished family reunion. People travel from cities and from abroad back to their ancestral homes to receive blessings from elders.
Tika and jamara
On Vijaya Dashami, elders lovingly place a red tika (a mix of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) on the foreheads of younger relatives. They also give jamara — yellow barley shoots grown since Ghatasthapana — along with heartfelt blessings and often small cash gifts.
How Dashain is celebrated across Nepal
The first nine days, called Navaratri, build up through daily prayers to Durga. Phulpati on day seven brings a colorful procession of sacred plants into Kathmandu.
The mood is festive and social rather than solemn. Expect kite-flying, bamboo swings (linge ping) in villages, joyful family feasts, and busy markets in the run-up to Tika.
- Homes are cleaned and decorated before the festival.
- New clothes are bought, especially for children.
- Card games and gatherings are common during the holidays.
Visiting Nepal during Dashain
Dashain falls in October, one of the loveliest windows to visit Nepal — clear post-monsoon skies and prime trekking weather. The festival adds a warm, celebratory atmosphere on top of that.
Book early. This is peak domestic travel season, so flights into Kathmandu via Tribhuvan International Airport and domestic seats fill fast.
Where to base yourself
Kathmandu offers temple visits and the Phulpati procession, while Pokhara pairs the festival with lakeside calm and mountain views. Compare flights to Pokhara if you want both.
Practical tips for travelers
The Government of Nepal has declared roughly five days of public holidays for Dashain (around October 17–23), so it helps to plan your logistics accordingly.
- Offices, banks, and many shops close around Phulpati through Tika — stock up on cash and essentials beforehand.
- Long-distance buses are packed as people head home; reserve tickets days ahead or fly domestically.
- Tourist areas in Kathmandu and Pokhara stay more active, with hotels and restaurants open.
- Trekking routes operate normally, though some teahouse staff may take leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dashain Tika in 2026?
Vijaya Dashami, the main Tika day, falls on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (Kartik 4, 2083 BS), with the auspicious time starting at 11:53 AM Nepal Standard Time.
How many days is Dashain celebrated?
Dashain spans 15 days, from Ghatasthapana on October 11 to Kojagrat Purnima on October 25, 2026, though the main rituals cluster around the final week.
Is Dashain a good time to visit Nepal?
Yes. October brings clear skies and excellent trekking weather, and the festival adds a celebratory atmosphere — just book flights and hotels well in advance, as it’s peak travel season.
Are shops open during Dashain in Nepal?
Many shops, offices, and banks close for about five days around Phulpati to Tika. Tourist areas in Kathmandu and Pokhara stay more active, but it’s wise to keep cash on hand.
Sources
- Merokalam — Dashain 2083 Dates, Vijaya Dashami Tika Time
- Nepali Calendar — Dashain 2026 / 2083 Dates
- timeanddate — Dashami (Dashain) 2026 in Nepal
- Edusanjal — List of Public Holidays of Nepal 2083
- Ratopati — Government Finalizes Public Holidays for 2083 BS
- Government of Nepal, Ministry of Home Affairs — Holidays
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