Dashain is the most important Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal and India. It is a time of family gatherings, spiritual rituals, and feasting. Although many Nepali and Indian families who live in the United States may not be able to travel back home to celebrate the holiday, they can still enjoy the traditional customs of Dashain here in America! Here is a brief list of key essentials for your Dashain festivities in the United States.
1. A statue or picture of the goddess Durga
This is an integral part of the traditional Dashain celebrations and symbolizes good over evil. Durga is sometimes depicted with a trident and armor, riding a lion.
2. Statues of Ganesh and Lakshmi
These Hindu deities bring good luck and prosperity to the household. Statues or pictures of these two gods should be placed in the living room or pooja room for the festival.
3. Kites And Fun Games such as Cards
Flying kites is a popular Dashain activity, and it’s a great way to bond with family and friends. You can find kites and UNO cards in many stores or online specially designed for this Hindu festival.
4. Incense sticks and holder
Using incense sticks and holders is an age-old method of infusing your house with calm, perfume, and spirituality. They have been used for ages in ritual and prayer, commemorating important events, and instilling peace and tranquility wherever they are. The various incense fragrances may aid in clearing out unwelcome energy and establishing a spiritual environment.
5. Red vermilion (kumkum) for tika on the forehead
The tika on someone's forehead signifies blessings, respect, honor, and dedication in certain Hindu households. The tika is traditionally produced using a unique crimson powder called kumkum with rice and yogurt. Applying this tika on the forehead is said to fend off any bad or negative energy while also bringing luck and wealth to the bearer. Applying kumkum on one's forehead is a sign of religious practice and a long-standing cultural custom for many Hindus.
6. Sowing Jamara
Jamara is a type of Barley Shoot that holds significant religious significance in Hindu culture. Nonetheless, people have now started realizing its health benefits. Growing Jamara is easy and requires barley seeds, sand, and water. However, one must keep it away from excessive light to avoid stunted growth.
7. Flowers, such as marigolds, for worship
Flowers are commonly used during Hindu rituals and are believed to symbolize holiness, beauty, and purity. During Dashain, it is customary to decorate the pooja room with offerings of different flowers, including marigolds representing faithfulness, joy, and devotion.
8. Sweets and snacks for offering to the goddess Durga
Devotees adore the goddess by giving her sweets and other offerings during the Durga Puja celebration. Malpuas, malai-peda, laddus, and gulab jamuns are some of the most popular offerings during Durga Puja. Devotees express Goddess Durga their love, respect, and admiration for all she stands for by making her these traditional delicacies.
9. A Kalash (pot) for offering water to the gods
Any puja ritual would not be complete without the holy water offering vessel, or Kalash. This sacred object is made of copper and is used during pujas to channel the energy of the gods. People adorn its surface with nariyal, decorations, and vermillion during Diwali. The Kalaash is filled with floating flowers when the rites are complete, signifying that even worldly wishes should be fulfilled. The Kalaash has a divine force that enables believers to connect with their god effortlessly.
10. Traditional outfits
During the Dashain celebration in Nepal, people dress up in a graceful style. Wearing traditional outfits such as a sari or dhoti by women and Daura Suruwal by men may help you to get into the spirit of the festival and show your respect for this auspicious event, or else you can also dress up in elegant style at your comfort.
Playlists of devotional songs related to the goddess Durga are also common. During Dashain, people celebrate joyously by singing several religious songs known as 'Bhajans.' Durga bhajans and Dashain songs are available on the market and internet, adding to the festival’s overall charm.
Conclusion
The Hindu holiday of Durga Puja is a time of joy and celebration, bringing people together to honor the goddess of strength and power. This vibrant and happy occasion serves as a reminder of the goddess Durga, who struggled against evil forces to bring balance back to the earth.
With a variety of activities ranging from decorating your home to wearing traditional outfits, Dashain festivities are the perfect way to bring families together and share in the traditions of Hinduism.
