Nepal: Maha Ashtami 2023: Date, History, Significance, Facts

Nepal: Maha Ashtami 2023: This year, October 22, marks the eighth day of the 15-day Dashain festival in Nepal, during which Maha Ashtami is observed. In observance of the day, the Hindu community of the nation pays homage to the goddess Durga Bhawani. Dashain, one of the nation’s most auspicious celebrations, is observed on the Hindu calendar and typically occurs between September and October. Multiple incarnations of Goddess Durga are venerated during the festival, but Maha Ashtami signifies the realisation of her supreme authority. Family and friends gather to commemorate the festival, which is celebrated with fervor and devotion throughout the Hindu community of Nepal.

THE HISTORY OF MAHA ASHTAMI

Maha Ashtami is observed during Dashain, the most anticipated and protracted festival for Nepalese Hindus. On Maha Ashtami, it is believed that Goddess Durga consummated her metamorphosis and revealed her true strength. On this day, Hindu devotees recite petitions to the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati, who are respective symbols of strength, wealth, and wisdom.

In the wee hours of the morning, devotees begin to pour into the shrines of the deities in the Kathmandu Valley, where they present offerings of devotion and sacrifice. The community takes notice of the festival in particular because of the animal sacrifices. A majority of the devotees present the deity with goats and ducks. Those who abstain from animal sacrifice offer fruits and vegetation as alternatives to animal products. An additional custom observed on this day is the communal recitation of ‘Durga Saptashati,’ the sacred text attributed to Goddess Durga. Additionally, weaponry, machinery, vehicles, and any other possessions owned by a household are revered. A regal outlier in Kathmandu, ‘Dashain Ghar’ of Hanumandhoka is among the most crowded locations in the nation during Maha Ashtami. During the ‘Kalaratri’ special worship session that begins at midnight, adherents from every corner of the nation gather.

Countless Nepalese Hindus eagerly anticipate the festival, which places a special emphasis on reestablishing community bonds and family gatherings. To observe the day, citizens and visitors from around the globe return to their hometowns; during the holiday, all businesses, private workplaces, educational institutions, and government offices are closed.

Nepal: Maha Ashtami 2023: FACTS

• It is believed that in her mission to destroy Mahishasura, Goddess Durga vanquished numerous demons masquerading as water buffaloes.
• In Nepal, Buddhists observe Dashain to mark the occasion of Emperor Ashoka’s acceptance of Buddhism.
• On the first day of Dashain, holy jamara, a yellow grass utilized in rituals, is sown and matures within seven days.
• It is forbidden for women to enter the chamber where the principal Dashain puja is performed.
• Thousands of devotees would congregate at the royal palace of Kathmandu prior to the monarchy’s dissolution in order to obtain the king’s favors.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MAHA ASHTAMI TO NEPAL

Demons were vanquished during the reign of Goddess Durga, who initiated a conflict against them. Against all odds, the festival represents the significance of rising to the occasion and achieving victory in the endeavor. In remembrance of the valiant struggle and in search of motivation from the might of Goddess Durga, we observe Maha Ashtami.

Dashain generates the most activity throughout the nation, as individuals return to their residences to partake in the festivities. Devotees brighten towns and villages with an unparalleled sense of festivity as they adorn themselves with the sacred scriptures of Hinduism. Goddess Durga was reportedly dispatched by Hindu mythology to destroy the malevolent Mahishasura, who had caused disorder in the residence of the gods. The nine days preceding Vijaya Dasami (the tenth day of Dashain) symbolize the manifestations of the deity and the demon’s battle; she acquires her complete powers on Maha Ashtami (the eighth day).

NEPAL: MAHA ASHTAMI DATES

Year	Date	Day
2022	October 3	Monday
2023	October 22	Sunday
2024	October 11	Friday
2025	September 30	Tuesday
2026	October 18	Sunday