109-720: Dashain or Bada'dashain , also referred as Vijaya Dashami in Sanskrit , is a major Hindu religious festival in Nepal and the Indian states of Sikkim , West Bengal , Assam , South India , and Sri Lanka . It is also celebrated by other religions of Nepal and elsewhere in the world, including among the Lhotshampa of Bhutan and the Burmese Gurkhas of Myanmar . The festival is also referred as Nauratha , derived from
218-461: A gombe habba . The festival played a historical role in the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire , where it was called Mahanavami . The Italian traveller Niccolò de' Conti described the festival's intensity and importance as a grandeur religious and martial event with royal support. The event revered Durga as the warrior goddess (some texts refer to her as Chamundeshwari). The celebrations hosted athletic competitions, singing and dancing, fireworks,
327-422: A bhangra, a bhoto or a shirt of vest, and the usual Nepali topi. Women wear the phariya or lunghi , chaubandhi cholo or a closed blouse and the heavy patuka or waistband, and the mujetro or shawl-like garment on the head. The ornaments are the madwari on the ears, bulaki on the nose and the phuli on the left nostril, the silver coin necklace"[haari]" and the pote (yellow and Green beads) with
436-690: A Magar language script. Many scholars including MS Thapa have been in forefront to implement the Akkha script to write Magar language in Nepal. New generations have been learning it. Akkha script is said to be closely associated with Brahmi script . As per Nepali census 79% of Magars follow Hinduism though there is high degree of syncretism with Buddhism, Animism and Ancestor Worship. Magars follow Buddhism and Hinduism. The original religions or beliefs of Magar people are Shamanism , Animism , Ancestor worship and northern Nepal's Magar follow Shamanism. Magars are
545-508: A Rana, but with the prefix of his Thapa clan. Thus, a Reshmi Thapa would become a Reshmi Rana. An instance of this is to be found in the 5th Gurkhas, where a havildar, Lachman Thapa, and a naik, Shamsher Rana, descended from the two Thapa [Magars] brothers; but three generations of descendants from one of these brothers having been killed in the battle, Shamsher Rana's ancestors assumed the title of Rana while Lachman Thapa's ancestors not having been killed in battle for three generations remained
654-576: A Thapa. From this custom many Rana sub clans are said to have sprung up, and this would lead one to believe that the Rana-Magar clan was looked up to amongst the Magars. The Rana clan of Magar tribes come from the same stock of Thapa, but when they were separated from their original group and lost for three generations, they settled in a place called lamjung and called themselves by the name of Rana which means chief in khas tradition and language. Thus,
763-624: A baby boy living in the hollow part of a bamboo tree. He brought the baby home. This boy grew up and became the ancestor of the Jhankri clan. The language was called "Kaike," meaning "language of the Gods." The first written history about the Magar people dates as far back as 1100 CE. The Magars are one of the oldest known tribes in Nepal. Their ancient homeland was known as Magwar Bisaya , later called Magarat. Magarat bordered from Marsyangdi river to
872-610: A feu de joie, and a 21-gun salute is fired in the background in the presence of the Army Staff. This day is also known as the demon-hunting day because members of the defeated demon army try to save themselves by hiding in the bodies of animals and fowl. On Maha Navami, durga , the mother goddess Devi, is worshipped as it is believed that all the things that help us make a living should be kept happy. Artisans, craftsmen, traders, and mechanics worship and offer animal and fowl blood to their tools, equipment, and vehicles. Moreover, since it
981-668: A few – Āthaghare, Bagale, Bakabal, Bakheti, Baraghare, Birkatta, Kala, Kammu, Khapangi, Palunge, Puwar/Punwar, Sunari, Sāthighare, Sinjali/Singjali, Saplangi, Midun, Mugmi, Pulami, Darlami, Salami, Jarga, Dhenga, Taramu, Tarami, Tarangi, Tangnami, Byangnasi, Masrangi Gaha Thapa consists of Bucha, Gora, khangaha/khanga. Reshmi Thapa consists of Dangal. Saru Thapa consists of Jhapurluk, Jhendi/Jhedi, Kala. Besides these, Gurbachan, Purbachhaney, Phounja, Chauhan, Pachabhaiya, Khamcha, Khandaluk, Ghale, Baral, Somai, Pithakote, Jhakote, Rakaskoti/Raskoti, Uchai, Samal. In former days, any Thapa who had lost three generations of ancestors in battle became
1090-405: A long life as the son of Drona ( Ashwatthama ) May you be as fortunate as Dasharatha May you defeat all your enemies as Raghava May you have the grandeur of Nahusha May you have the speed of Pavana (wind) May you be as respected as Duryodhana May you be giving as the son of Surya ( Karna ) May you have the strength of the plough wielder ( Balarama ) May you be truthful as
1199-469: A mixture of rice , yogurt and vermilion is prepared. This preparation is known as "tika". Often Dashain tika time is different each year. Elders put this tika and jamara which is sown in the Ghatasthapana on the forehead of younger relatives to bless them with abundance in the coming years. Red also symbolizes the blood that ties the family and community together. Elders give "Dakshina", or
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#17327727116561308-597: A pageantry military parade and charitable giving to the public. Portuguese travellers like Domingo Paes and Fernao Nuniz who visited Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century described the Dasara elephant procession and the Vajra Mushti Kalaga wrestling bouts. The city of Mysore has traditionally been a major center of Dasara-Vijayadashami celebrations. This festival is called Dasara in Karnataka and
1417-741: A palm-leaf manuscript kept in the Kaiser Library, dated 1567 VS (1510), Mukunda Sen is described as a Magar king of Palpa who invaded the Kathmandu Valley in 1581 VS (1524). Thus, in the 17th century, Malla kings of Kathmandu valley were united to fight back the invasion of Magars from Palpa. One of Mukunda Sen's wives was also the daughter of the Magar King of Parkogha: Mahadevi Suvarnamala, and she had four sons: Manishya Sen, Imbarsen, Kuvar and Lohang Sen. Similarly, Gajalaxman Singh, Magar King of Makvanpur, whose daughter Kantivati
1526-527: A procession. The special feature of the Kullu Dussehra procession is the arrival of floats containing deities from different parts of the nearby regions and their journey to Kullu . Vijayadashami is celebrated in a variety of ways in Southern India . Celebrations range from worshipping Durga, lighting up temples and major forts such as at Mysore, to displaying colourful figurines, known as
1635-681: A result, dharma was established on Earth because of Rama's victory over Ravana. The festival commemorates the victory of good over evil. In the Mahabharata , Vijayadashami also marks the day that the Pandava warrior Arjuna defeats the Kauravas . The epic tells the story of the Pandava brothers who are known to have spent their thirteenth year of exile under concealed identity in Matsya,
1744-411: A significant Nepali population), a Phulpati procession is carried out. Flowers, fruits, and holy symbols are tied in a red cloth, which is then covered with an auspicious red shawl and carried on a decorated wooden log across the town. The townspeople offer flowers and fruits as the procession passes through their houses. The process is also accompanied by traditional Naumati instruments. The eighth day
1853-410: A small amount of money, to younger relatives at this time along with blessings as they visit. This continues to be observed for five days till the full moon during which period families and relatives visit each other to exchange gifts and greetings. This ritual of taking tika from all the elder relatives (even the distant relatives) helps in the renewal of the community ties greatly. This is one reason why
1962-407: A symbolic crossing of the border of their village. The icons of deities are carried in a grand procession. The tradition traces its roots to ancient times when kings would cross the border of their kingdom to wage war with the neighbouring kingdom. After Seemollanghan, there is a tradition wherein people exchange Aaptyachi pana . These leave symbolise gold and the ritual is a symbolic representation of
2071-476: A very important part of celebrating Dashain in the country, as it is considered to be one way of reminding God not to send rain anymore. During the festival people of all ages fly kites from their roofs. Colourful kites and voices shouting out 'changā chet' (this phrase is usually used when one cuts the other person's kite string) fill the days during the festival. Playing cards is another way of celebrating Dashain. While children are busy flying kites during Dashain,
2180-421: A week before Ghatasthapana and dismantled only after the festival of Tihar which comes after Dashain. The height of some swings exceeds twenty feet. People of all ages enjoy the swings. They are especially famous with children. Fairs and celebrations are organized during the festival. Usually, small fairs are organized in the villages with Ferris wheels for children and other entertainment for adults. However, in
2289-525: Is a major Hindu festival celebrated every year at the end of Durga Puja and Navarahtri . It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin , the seventh in the Hindu lunisolar calendar . The festival typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October, more specifically between 27 September and 26 October. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) of
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#17327727116562398-439: Is also customary to listen to Papakunsha Ekadashi stories and to visit religious sites. While in some parts of the Nepal, the tika is only received on the day of Bijaya Dashami, in other parts of the country, people start visiting their extended family and relatives on this day till Kojagrat Purnima. One is supposed to eat only Sattvic diet during Ekadashis, but people continue their Dashain feasts on this day too, so this Ekadashi
2507-422: Is also known as Gidde Ekadashi ( lit . Vulture–like–Ekadashi). By donating gold, sesame, barley, grain, soil, umbrellas, shoes, etc. on this day, it is believed that one will get to heaven after death. The festival's last day, which lies on the full moon day, is called Kojagrat Purnima ( कोजाग्रत पूर्णिमा ) or Sharad Purnima . The literal meaning of Kojagrat is 'who is awake'. On this day Goddess Lakshmi who
2616-483: Is also seeded with grains. The priest then starts the puja by asking Durga to bless the vessel with her presence. This ritual is performed at a certain auspicious time which is determined by the astrologers. The goddess is believed to reside in the vessel during Navaratri . The room where all this is done is known as the Dashain Ghar . Traditionally, outsiders are not allowed to enter it. A family member worships
2725-537: Is also the norm for buffaloes to be sacrificed in the courtyards of all the land revenue offices in the country on this day. The old palace in Kathmandu Durbar Square, as well as the presidential palace, is active throughout the night with worship and sacrifices in almost every courtyard. On midnight of the very day of the Dashain, a total of 54 buffaloes and 54 goats are sacrificed in observance of
2834-433: Is believed that worshipping the vehicles on this day avoids accidents for the year all vehicles from bikes, and cars to trucks are worshipped on this day. The Taleju Temple gates are opened to the general public on only this day of the year. Thousands of devotees go and pay respect to the goddess this day. The temple is filled with devotees all day long. The tenth day of the festival is the ' Bijaya dashami '. On this day,
2943-445: Is believed to be the goddess of wealth is worshipped as it is believed that Goddess Laxmi descends on earth and showers whoever is awake all night with wealth and prosperity. People enjoy the night by playing cards and much more. Animal sacrifices are often the norm during this time, as the festival commemorates the bloody battles between the "divine" and "demonic" powers. The proponents of animal killing interpret this sacrificial act as
3052-518: Is called Maha Asthami . This is the day when the most fierce of Goddess Durga's manifestations, the Kali , is appeased through the sacrifice of buffaloes, goats, hens, and ducks in temples throughout the nation. Blood, symbolic of its fertility, is offered to the Goddesses. Appropriately enough, the night of this day is called Kal Ratri (Black Night), after the form of Durga worshipped on this day. It
3161-537: Is celebrated on Vijaya Dasami day. It is also known as Saraswati Puja Day. Major temple associated with Vidyarambham are Cherpu Thiruvullakkavu Temple Thrissur and Panachikkad Temple . A guru draws Om Hari Sree Ganapathaye Namah on the tongue of a child using a ring dipped in honey.Child is guided to write Hari Sree mantra on rice kept in Uruli . Children aged 3–4 who are new to school are admitted to school and Anganawadi on Vijayadashami Day. In Gujarat , people engage
3270-411: Is known as batuk (commonly known as 'bara'). It is considered to be a traditional food of the Magar people. Shaped like western doughnuts, it is made from black lentils that have been soaked for over twenty-four hours and are grounded to form a thick paste. It is then mixed with salt, pepper and turmeric and fried in oil. A perfect round shape is formed with the help of the palm, and a small distinct hole
3379-575: Is locally known as Dasro in Konkani . It marks Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura . Insignia known as Taranga play an important role in the festivities, which are sacred umbrellas that symbolize the village deities. At many temples, a dance of the Tarangas is held. Oracles are associated with Dasara in Goa . On this day, a ritual called Seemollanghan of the deities is held. For this people make
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3488-551: Is made in the center. Bhume Puja (also known as Bal puja ) is one of the festivals celebrated by the Kham Magar people from Lumbini and Karnali provinces of Nepal . The term Bhume means 'Earth' in Nepali language . The Kham people practice a religion that worships the land ( bhumi puja ), water sprouts ( shim ), forests ( ban puja ) and weather, asking for better crop yields and cattle. The Kham people believe that
3597-428: Is observed as Bijoya Dashomi, immediately after Navami (the ninth and last day of Durga Puja ). It is marked by processions in which idols are carried in carriages to a pond, river or ocean for a solemn good-bye to Goddess Durga, along with firecracker bursting, dance, drum beats, music and revelry. Many mark their faces with vermilion ( sindoor ) or wear red clothing. It is an emotional day for some devotees, especially
3706-683: Is spoken in two major dialects and a number of sub dialects reflecting the geographic distribution of the group. The Western Magars of Rapti Zone speak Magar Kham language. In Dolpa District, Magars speak Magar Kaike language . Magar Dhut language speakers are all Magar clans residing in Twelve Magarat . Similarly Magar Kham language speakers are all Magar clans from Eighteen Magarat . Magar Kaike language speakers are all Magar clans in Karnali zone . Magar Akkha or scripts are used in Sikkim as
3815-690: Is the British English spelling of the tadbhava Dassehrā . It is derived daśaharā ( दशहरा ), which is a Sanskrit compound word composed of daśama ( दशम , 'tenth') and ahar ( अहर् , 'day'). The celebration of this festival is founded in the epic Ramayana . It marks the day Rama is regarded to have slain the rakshasa king Ravana , who had abducted Rama's wife, Sita. Ravana kidnaps Sita and takes her to his kingdom in Lanka (identified with present day Sri Lanka ). Rama asks Ravana to release her, but Ravana refuses;
3924-458: Is the most anticipated festival in Nepal. People return from all parts of the world and different parts of the country to celebrate together. All government offices, educational institutions, and other offices remain closed during the festival period. The festival falls in September or October, starting from the shukla paksha (bright lunar night) of the month of Ashvin and ending on Purnima ,
4033-599: Is when they put on tika and get blessings from elders. The ninth day of Dashain is called Maha Navami , "the great ninth day". This is the last day of Navaratri. Ceremonies and rituals reach a peak on this day. On this day, official ritual sacrifices of the Nepal Armed Forces are held in one of the Hanuman Dhoka royal palaces, the Kot courtyard. On this occasion, the state offers the sacrifices of buffaloes as
4142-525: The 2021 Nepal census . They are one of the main Gurkha tribes. The first home of the Magars was to the west of the Gandaki River and, roughly speaking, consisted of that portion of Nepal which lies between and around about Gulmi , Arghakhanchi , and Palpa . This part of the country was divided into twelve districts known as Bahra Magarat (Confederation of Twelve Magar villages), which included
4251-749: The Gurkha Contingent of Singapore Police gave a huge opportunity to the hard working Magars of the hills to work and live abroad in countries like the United Kingdom , Hong Kong , Singapore , Malaysia , Brunei , India and Myanmar . A significant number of Magar population can also be found in countries like the United Arab Emirates , Japan , Australia , Saudi Arabia , the United States of America and South Korea . There are several mythical stories describing
4360-537: The Ramlila, a dramatic performance on story of Rama is enacted over the 9 days leading up to the festival. The performance is inspired from the Ramcharitmanas, a Hindu text written by Tulsidas . Effigies of the demons Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnath are also created and burnt on bonfires in the evening. In other cities, such as Varanasi , the entire story is freely acted out by performance-artists before
4469-474: The Sanskrit word for the same festival Navaratri which translates to Nine Nights . It is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Bikram Sambat and Nepal Sambat annual calendars, celebrated by Nepali Hindus , along with their diaspora throughout the globe. In Nepal, it is also known as the biggest festival in the country and is the longest national/public holiday, lasting 15 days. It
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4578-500: The Shah dynasty was derived from the Magar tribe. He argues that: The family of Gorkha or Gorkha Kingdom which now governs Nepal, although it pretends to come from Chittor , according to Sadhu Ram, a good authority, is, in reality, of the Magar tribe; and, at any rate, these people are now firmly attached to its interests, by having largely shared in the sweets of conquest; and by far
4687-744: The Tundikhel grounds in conventional formal dress to witness the event. The king used to observe the ceremony in Tundikhel while the Phulpati parade was headed towards the Hanuman Dhoka royal palace. Then there is a majestic display of the Nepalese Army along with a celebratory firing of weapons that continues for ten to fifteen minutes honoring Phulpati. The Phulpati is taken to the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace by
4796-454: The sirbandhi , sirphuli and chandra on their heads. These are large pieces of gold beaten in elongated and circular shapes. Maghe Sankranti is considered to be one of the most important annual festivals of the indigenous Magar community. In fact, Maghe Sankranti is the government declared national festival of the Magar community as well as the Tharu community (2009 AD). It is celebrated on
4905-493: The tilhari gold cylinder, [jantar], [dhungri], [naugedi], [phul], kuntha, and also raiya in the hand. Magar males do not wear many ornaments, but some are seen to have silver earrings, hanging from their earlobes, called "gokkul" . The magar girls wear the amulet or locket necklace, and women of the lower hills and the high-altitude ones wear these made of silver with muga stones embedded in them and kantha . The bangles of silver and glass are also worn on their hands along with
5014-492: The 10 day festival is celebrated as Shara navaratri where the Goddess in every temple is worshiped for 10 days in 10 forms with different Alankar/forms to signify different Goddesses avatar. Many cultural programs and competitions are organized in many cities like Mysuru , Shivamoga , Bengaluru etc. On the evening of the last day of the ten-festival, the temple's Goddesses are taken in a procession to mark victory over evil and
5123-422: The 17th century. In due time and also the fact that Dashain happens to be celebrated not just by Newars but by all Nepalese, this dhoon caught up and now is part of the national culture and played during Dashain. While putting tika to the younger family members or relatives, the elder people usually recite special Sanskrit mantras as a blessing. There are two main mantras that are recited while putting tika on
5232-517: The 2,013,498 Magar population in Nepal , about 810,315 speak Magar language as their mother tongue while the rest speak Nepali as their mother tongue. The western inhabitants of Nepal did not speak the language in the past. But recently, almost everyone has started learning the language. The Magar languages are rooted in the Bodic branch of the Tibetan family. The Magar language, Magar Kura ,
5341-469: The Ashvayuja month. Vijayadashami is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of India and Nepal. In the southern, eastern, northeastern, and some northern states of India , Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, commemorating goddess Durga 's victory against Mahishasura to restore and protect dharma . In the northern, central, and western states, it marks
5450-530: The Bengali Hindus, and even for many atheists as the congregation sings goodbye songs. When the procession reaches the water, the clay statues of Durga and her four children are immersed; the clay dissolves and they are believed to return to Mount Kailasha with Shiva, and to the cosmos in general. People distribute sweets and gifts and visit friends, relatives and family members to wish them "Subho Vijaya". Some communities such as those near Varanasi mark
5559-552: The Bijaya Dashami day, one for men and one for females. In the mantra for male members, the qualities of various Hindu mythical heroes ( Yudhishthira , Balarama , etc.) as well as antiheroes ( Ashwatthama and Duryodhana ) are blessed to the person. Āyu Droṇasute śreyaṃ Daśarathe śatrukṣayeṃ Rāghave Aiśvaryaṃ Nahuṣe gatiścha Pavane mānaṃ cha Duryodhane Dānaṃ Sūryasute balaṃ Haladhare satyaṃ cha Kuntīsute Vijñānaṃ Vidure bhavantu bhavatāṃ kīrtiścha Nārāyaṇe May you have
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#17327727116565668-467: The Kalash twice every day, once in the morning and then in the evening. The Kalash is kept away from direct sunlight and holy water is offered to it every day so that by the tenth day of the festival the seed will have grown to five or six inches long yellow grass. This sacred grass is known as jamara . These rituals continue until the seventh day. Phulpati ( फूलपाती ) is a major celebration occurring on
5777-591: The Kali Gandaki region, was a Magar King. "Aramudi" derives from the word for 'river' in the Magar language . 'Ari' – 'Source of Water' + 'Modi'– 'River' = 'Arimodi' or 'Aramudi', thus the literal meaning of Aramudi is a source of river . But due to the lack of historical evidence, there are some conflicting ideas among the historians. Sen dynasty of Palpa were Magar Kings as per the hand-written treatise 'Naradsmriti' and history books written in Sikkim. In
5886-844: The King of Magarat ' or 'the King of Magar country'. According to Marie Lecomte-Tilouine, a senior researcher in Social Anthropology at the French National Center for Scientific Research, Prithvi Narayan Shah narrated in his autobiography about praying to a goddess whom he described as 'the daughter of Rana [Magar]. During the time of King Prithvi Narayan, Rana Magars were one of the six-member courtiers ( Tharghar ). Prithvi Narayan Shah in his memories also recalls his Magar dada —the man who looked after him during his childhood. The Scottish contemporary writer, Francis Buchanan-Hamilton , contends in his journal that
5995-524: The Magars. He invariably claims to be a matwali khas or pawai khas. Linguistically, the Magars are divided into three groups. Baraha Magaratis speak Dhut dialect, whereas Athara Magaratis speak Pang and Kaike dialects. Magar Dhut speakers: Rana, Ale, Thapa Magar Kham speakers: Budhathoki, Pun, Roka, Gharti Magar Kaike speakers: Tarali Magar of Dolpa; Budha, Gharti, Roka/Rokaya, Kayat, Jhakri all Magar clans residing in Dolpa and Karnali districts. Of
6104-556: The Okhaldhunga region, and another group seems to have returned to the east. No dates are given. The origins of the Kaike Magars end up with the mystical tales told and retold by local people. According to one of these stories, the Kaike Magars were the sons of a woman who had fled from an unspecified village of Kalyal kingdom. She subsequently gave birth to her child, a son. The boy, when he grew up, captured an angel while she
6213-518: The Pyuthan area during that time. The Magars prospered at such a level during that period that this part of the country was divided into twelve kingdoms/thams ( Barah Magarant or twelve magarat) —each under its own ruler—the members of each supposedly being of common extraction in the male line. Some records show these twelve areas as being Arghak, Khachi , Gulmi , Isma, Musikot, Ghiring, Rising, Bhirkot, Payung, Garhung, Dhor and Satung. Among them,
6322-426: The annual cycle of herding livestock up and down from high pastures, a historically important economic activity of the Magars. The occasion is celebrated with a host of gatherings and special invitations to chelibetis , one's daughters and other female members of the family. Traditional Magar songs and dances are also performed. One of the most prominent food items prepared on this day (or any other celebratory occasion)
6431-547: The battle which took place between the different manifestations of Durga and Mahishasura . The tenth day is the day when Durga finally defeats him. For other Hindus, this festival symbolizes the victory of Rama over Ravana as recounted in the Ramayana . It generally symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The day of Ghatasthapana is marked with Jhijhiya folk dance across the Mithila (region) of Madhesh Province as
6540-411: The blessings. It is celebrated for 15 days from Shukla Paksha to Poornima. The red tika or simply tika symbolizes the blessings of goddess durga. Red also symbolizes the blood that ties the family together Magar people The Magars , also spelled Mangar and Mongar , are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group native to Nepal and Northeast India , representing 6.9% of Nepal's total population according to
6649-756: The calendar. A lunar day is uniquely identified by three calendar elements: māsa (lunar month), pakṣa (lunar fortnight) and tithi (lunar day). Furthermore, when specifying the masa, one of two traditions are applicable, viz. amānta / pūrṇimānta . If a festival falls in the waning phase of the moon, these two traditions identify the same lunar day as falling in two different (but successive) masa. Traditional Vijayadashami ( Sanskrit : विजयादशमी , romanized : Vijayadaśamī ), more commonly known as Dassahra in Hindi-Urdu, and also known as Dashāhra or Dashain in Maithili and Nepali,
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#17327727116566758-569: The celebration. Another significant and notable tradition of several Southern Indian regions has been the dedication of this festival to Saraswati , the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music and arts. She is worshipped along with instruments of one's trade during this festival. In Southern India, people maintain, clean and worship their instruments, tools of work and implements of their livelihood during this festival, remembering Goddess Saraswati and Durga . In Kerala , Vidyarambham festival
6867-405: The city commercial fairs and celebrations are usually organized. Buying and wearing new clothes is an important part of the festival. As many people living in the villages are below the poverty line, for them it is often the case that new clothes come only with Dashain. Almost all the shops have festival offers and discounts. This makes shopping more attractive. Clothes have the highest sales during
6976-400: The completion of the war. People of Karnataka exchange leaves of Shami tree as symbol of gold on 10th day evening marking the win over demon. Another Navaratri tradition in Karnataka has been decorating a part of one's home with art dolls called Gombe or Bombe, similar to Golu dolls of Tamil Nadu. An art-themed Gaarudi Gombe, featuring folk dances that incorporate these dolls, is also a part of
7085-533: The country normally increases significantly during this period. The festival has been historically important in Maharashtra. Maratha forces in 17th and 18th centuries including those of Shivaji and the Peshwas would start their new military campaigns on Dasara. In North Maharashtra this festival is known as Dasara , and on this day people wear new clothes, and touch feet of elderly people and deities of
7194-513: The dawn after the end of Nauratha (nine nights). The word Dashain is ultimately derived from the Sanskrit word daśamī , denoting the 12th day of the Kaula (month) in this context. For followers of Shaktism , it represents the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura , who had terrorised the devas and usurped their abode of Svarga . The first nine days of Dashain symbolize
7303-414: The eleventh day, called ekadashi , by visiting a Durga temple. In Bihar Dushehra is celebrated over a period of 10 days. The people worship goddess durga and they setup idols in different places. On the 10th day that is Vijaya Dashmi effigy of Ravana is burnt. In Patna the capital of Bihar, people gather in historical Gandhi Maidan and a huge effigy of Ravan is burnt. In Nepal, Vijayadashami follows
7412-578: The end of Ramlila and commemorates the deity Rama 's victory over Ravana . Alternatively, it marks a reverence for one of the aspects of Durga. Vijayadashami celebrations include processions to a river or ocean front that involve carrying clay statues of Durga, Lakshmi , Saraswati, Ganesha , and Kartikeya , accompanied by music and chants, after which the images are immersed in the water for dissolution and farewell. In other places, towering effigies of Ravana, symbolising evil, are burnt with fireworks, marking evil's destruction. The festival also starts
7521-467: The exchange of gold. The festival is also celebrated as a harvest festival by farmers and has an important association with Agricultural activities. At Dussehra, Kharif crops like rice, guar, cotton, soybean, maize, finger millet, pulses are generally ready for harvest, farmers begin their harvest on the day. Farmers bring crops like Kharif crops from their fields for further processing and for trade. Due to this, daily arrivals of these crops in markets of
7630-439: The festival is celebrated with so much vigor and enthusiasm. Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight in Hindu calendar. Ekadashi is considered a very auspicious day and people usually fast on this day. The day after Bijaya Dashami is known as Papakunsha Ekadashi ( पापकुंश एकादशी ). On this day, it is customary to wake up early in the morning and start fasting till evening, after washing and wearing clean clothes. It
7739-420: The festival of Dashain . Youngsters visit the elders in their family, distant ones come to their native homes, students visit their school teachers, and government workers visit the head of the state . The elders and teachers welcome the youngsters and bless them for virtuous success and prosperity in the year ahead. Elders give "Dakshina", or a small amount of money, to younger relatives at this time along with
7848-510: The festival. Thousands of animals including buffalo , ducks , and rams are slaughtered in Dashain every year. It has been considered an important ritual since it is believed that the goddesses are appeased by such sacrifices. Almost all the temples, especially the Durga and Kali temples, are offered with thousands of sacrifices. Ashtami and Navami are the days when the sacrifices reach a peak. While thousands of animals are sacrificed to appease
7957-515: The first day of Magh (tenth month of the Nepali calendar, in mid-January), a time that marks the transition from winter to spring. According to the Magar terminology, Maghe Sakranti commemorates the end of udheli (literally 'down'), which is a period that lasts for six months starting from mid-July, and the initiation of ubheli ('up'), the period lasting for another six months starting from the mid-January. The down and up periods probably correspond to
8066-479: The following regions of that period: Argha , Khanchi , Bhirkot, Dhor, Garhung, Ghiring, Gulmi, Isma, Musikot, Rising, Satung , and Pyung. During the medieval period, the whole area from Palpa to Rukum Rolpa was called the Magarat , a place settled and inhabited by Magars. Another confederation of eighteen Magar kingdoms, known as Athara Magarat , also existed and was originally inhabited by Kham Magars . At
8175-431: The full moon . Among the fifteen days on which it is celebrated, the most celebrated days are the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and fifteenth. Dashain is the main Hindu festival in Nepal. The word Vaḍādaśain̐ ( वडादशैँ ) is a Nepali sandhi , where "baḍā" ( बडा ) means "important" and "daśa͠i" ( दशैं ) means "tenth", implying the most-significant final day of the festival of Durga Puja , celebrating
8284-405: The goddesses, people also slaughter animals for feasts. Since many feasts and gatherings are organized throughout the fifteen days of the festival, the demand for meat goes up considerably. To meet the demand, the slaughtering of animals becomes considerably high and necessary. Vijaya Dashami The Hindu calendar is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of
8393-472: The greatest part of the regular troops of that family is composed of this nation. He further contended on Shah family that: The family pretends to be of the Pamar tribe; but it is alleged, as I have already explained, that this is a mere fable, and that, on the arrival of the colony from Chitaur, this family were Magars. Many prominent historians of Nepal have claimed that Aramudi, an eighth-century ruler of
8502-423: The inhabitants of Rana Magar became the lamjung village. The Matwala Khas are generally the progeny of a Khas of Western Nepal and karnali with a Magar woman of Western Nepal. If the woman happens to belong to the khas mixed Rana clan of the Magar tribe, progeny is then called a Bhat Rana. The Matwala Khas doesn't wear the sacred thread. They eats pork and drinks alcohol, and in every way assimilates himself with
8611-466: The kingdom of Virata . Before going to Virata, they are known to have hung their celestial weapons in a shami tree for safekeeping for a year. It was during this time that Kauravas decided to attack the kingdom in which Arjuna retrieved the weapons from the Shami tree and defeated the entire Kaurava army. In most of Northern India , Vijayadashami is celebrated in honour of Lord Rama . In many places,
8720-525: The kingdoms of Gorkha and Musikot, the Magars even seem to have taken part in their own initial defeat, revealing both the weakness of their ethnic solidarity at that time and the presence of clan rivalries. As mentioned in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal founded by Sir William Jones in 1784, the city of Gorkha was originally the residence of Chitoria (Chitorey) Magars, and the city
8829-616: The local belief system; their dhami (the faith healer or a kind of shaman) is called Dangar and their jhankri (another kind of faith healer or shaman) was the traditional spiritual and social leader of the Magars. Magars have an informal cultural institution, called Bhujel , who performs religious activities, organizes social and agriculture-related festivities, brings about reforms in traditions and customs, strengthens social and production system, manages resources, settles cases and disputes and systematizes activities for recreation and social solidarity. Men wear kachhad or wrap-on-loincloth,
8938-595: The main priests of the famous Manakamana Temple in Gorkha District, Budha Subba Temple in Dharan and Alamdevi temple (Nepal's former Shah Kings' mother Goddess or family deity) in Syangja District. In Manakamana Temple, specially, the priest must be a descendant of Saint Lakhan Thapa Magar, who is described as a spiritual guide for Ram Shah , and he had a very close relationship with the queen, who
9047-469: The middle and western regions also played an important role in Nepal's formative history. Their kingdom was one of the strongest of west Nepal in and around Palpa District during the time of the 22 Baisi Rajya and 24 Chaubisi Rajya principalities (17th and early 18th centuries) . In the 16th century, Palpa ruler Mukunda Sen briefly invaded the Kathmandu valley. King Dalsur Ghale Magar (1604-1615 BS )
9156-733: The most powerful kings were those of Gulmi, Argha, Khachi. Broadly speaking, the twelve Magarat consisted of present-day Argha, Khanchi, Gulmi, Isma, Musikot, Ghiring, Baldengadhi, Rudrapurgadhi, Deuchuli, Tanahang/Tanu-hyula (Tanahu), Kanhu, Ligligkot, Gorkhakot, (Bahakot), Targhakot (Takukot), and Makawanpur areas. Similarly, Athara (eighteen) Magarat consisted of the following regions: Dhurkoi (Gulmi), Gharkoi (Arghakhachi), Paiya (Parbat), Sinkhang ( Myagdi ), Narikoi (Pyuthan), Balungbang (Pyuthan), Jangkoi (Rolpa), Rukumkoi (Rukum), Chhilikoi (Dang), Bhaba (Dailekh), Borekoi (Jajarkot), Tarakoi (Dolpa), Timarkoi (Jumla), Jural (Doti), Bunkot, Bahrakot, Lu Nanya (Dadeldhura) and Ru-pal (Dadeldhura). The Magars of
9265-494: The northern Bhutia their vassals . Sintoo Sati Sheng ruled in a very despotic manner, and the Bhutia conspired to assassinate him. Sheng's queen took revenge and poisoned 1,000 Bhutia people at a place now called Tong Song Fong, meaning "where a thousand were murdered". The Bhutia later drove the Magars out, forcing them to again migrate further south. As part of this migration, one group migrated to Simrongadh, one group moved towards
9374-509: The older members of the family pass their time by getting together and playing cards with each other for money and fun. Bamboo swings are constructed in many parts of the country as a way of celebration. Dashain swings are called 'ping' in Nepali. They present the best of local culture, tradition, community spirit, and fun. These swings are constructed by community members with traditional methods which use ropes made from tough grass, bamboo sticks and wood, etc. The swings are normally constructed
9483-641: The origins of the Magars. The Magar of the Bahra Magarat east of the Kali Gandaki River are said to have originated in the land of Seem. Two brothers, Seem Magar and Chintoo Magar, fought, and one remained in Seem, while the other left, ending up in Kangwachen, southern Sikkim . The Bhutia people lived at the northern end of this region. Over time, the Magars became very powerful and made
9592-600: The popular festival, Navaratri , a nine-day festival that takes places before Vijayadashami. Both the goddess Durga and Rama are revered for their victory over evil. Fasting and prayers at temples are common. A regional dance called Dandiya Raas , that deploys colourfully decorated sticks, and garba, (another type of regional dance) is a part of the festivities through the night. The Gondi people instead celebrate Ravana by carrying an image of him riding an elephant and singing praises to him, as they consider Ravana as their ancestor and one of their gods. In Goa, this festival
9701-548: The preparations for Diwali , the important festival of lights, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami. Vijayādaśamī ( विजयादशमी ) is a compound of the two words vijaya ( विजय , 'victory') and daśamī ( दशमी , 'tenth day'), connoting the festival on the tenth day celebrating the victory of good over evil. The same Hindu festival-related term, however, takes different forms in different regions of India and Nepal , as well as among Hindu minorities found elsewhere. The word dussehra
9810-539: The public every evening for a month. The performance arts tradition during the Dussehra festival was inscribed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as one of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2008. It is celebrated across Northern India for Dussehra, but particularly in historically important Hindu cities of Ayodhya , Varanasi , Vrindavan , Almora , Satna and Madhubani . The festival and dramatic enactment of
9919-446: The religious functions linked to the very source of Thakuri power. Most Magars also follow a form of Tibetan Buddhism , with priests known as Lama Guru, forming the religious hierarchy. Buddhism is an important part of the culture even in the southern districts, where the Magars have developed a syncretic form of religion that combines earlier shamanistic and Buddhist rituals with Hindu traditions. Animists and shamanism form part of
10028-527: The rites. After the offering of the blood, the meat is taken home and cooked as " prasad ", or food blessed by divinity. This food is offered in tiny leaf plates to the household gods, and then distributed amongst the family. Eating this food is thought to be auspicious. While the puja is being carried out, great feasts are held in the homes of common people. On this day the Newar People has an event called "Khadga Puja" where they do puja of their weapons. It
10137-1136: The same customs, and are in every way equal as regards to social standing. Each tribe is subdivided into many sub-clans. Arghali, Durungchung, Hiski, Hungchen, Limel, Pade, Rakhal, Suyal, Sirpali. Gamal, Jugjali, Pahari, Thami, Arkali, Ulange, Karmani, Kosila, Gamal, Chini, Jiyali, Thami, Janjali, Darlasi, Deowal, Namjali, Pare, Pahare, Pojange, Barkabiri, Balkoti, Ramjali, Romkhami, Sinjali/Singjali, Jujali, Lamichhane, Khame, Doyal. Chitorey, Chitaurey Dagami, Galami, Kalikotey, Pahari or Panre, Phagami, Rangu, Rawal, Rajali, Sawangi, Sene, Surai, Sinjapati, Sijapati, Talaji, Tirukia, Wale, Thini, Bhujel. Birkali, Baijali, Burduja, Paija, sain, Chochangi, Sinjali, Dut, Purja, Garbuja, Ramjali, Tilija, Armaja, Phungali, Sanangi, Sothi, Sutpahare, Khame, Khoroja, Thane, Tirke, Sabangi, Pahare, Gaura, Phagami/Fagami, Balali, Batha, Saureni, Sherpunja. Aachhami, Aslami, Bangling, Chumi, Gyangmi/Gyami, Kharka/Khadka, Kyapchaki/Kepchaki, Lungeli, Makkim, Maski, Marchu, Palli, Ruchal, Shrees, Surjabansi/Suryabangsi, Limel, Deuka, Jung, Fewali, Basista Jelbangi, Dununge, Ramjali, Bajhangi, Baijali. To name
10246-400: The seventh day of Dashain. The word Phulpati is made up of two words: phūl meaning flower and pātī meaning leaf. Traditionally, on this day, the royal Kalash, banana stalks, jamara , and sugar cane tied with red cloth are brought by Magars from Gorkha , a three-day walk, about 169 kilometres (105 miles) away from the Kathmandu Valley. Hundreds of government officials gather together in
10355-446: The situation escalates and leads to war. Prior to this, Ravana performed severe penance for ten thousand years and received a boon from the creator-god Brahma that he could henceforth not be killed by gods, demons, or spirits. However, Rama (a human incarnation of Vishnu ) defeats and kills him, thus circumventing the boon given by Brahma. A battle takes place between Rama and Ravana, in which Rama kills Ravana and ends his evil rule. As
10464-629: The son of Kunti ( Yudhishthira ) May you have the intelligence of Vidura May you have the glory of Narayana In the mantra for the female members, they are worshipped as various form of goddess Durga . Jayanti Maṅgalā Kālī Bhadrakālī Kapālinī Durgā Kṣamā Śivā Dhātrī Svāhā Svadhā Namokastute I bow before thee, who exists in various forms as Jayanti, Mangalā, Kāli, Bhadrakāli, Kapalini, Durgā, Kshāma, Shivā, Dhatri, Svāhā and Svadhā. Alongside these mantra, other blessings for good health and fortune are also given. As Dashain approaches, kite flying becomes more and more common. Riding kites has been
10573-442: The symbolic sacrifice of our animal qualities, but those who are opposed to animal sacrifice stress that the sacrificial act is nothing but an excuse to fulfill the appetite for food/meat. The Malshree dhoon is incorporated into mainstream Nepalese music as the music of Dashain. It is the tune that announces the Dashain has arrived. Malashree dhoon is one of the oldest surviving devotional music of Newa art form, with its origin in
10682-588: The time of the 2021 Nepal census , 2,013,498 people (6.9% of the population of Nepal) identified as Magar. The frequency of Magar people by province was as follows: The frequency of Magar people was higher than national average in the following districts: Magars are scattered throughout the cities of India in Darjeeling , Sikkim , Assam and many others. The Gurkha recruitment in the Indian Gorkha Regiment , British Gurkha Regiment and
10791-456: The time the occasion ends in Tundikhel , where a parade is held. Since 2001, when the royal family was overthrown, the two-century-old tradition has changed so that the holy offering of Phulpati goes to the residence of the president. The President has taken over the king's social and religious roles after the end of the monarchy. In various other cities and towns across Nepal and in India (with
10900-459: The victory of Rama is celebrated by burning the effigies of the evil Ravana and his allies. Kullu Dussehra is celebrated in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh and is regionally notable for its large fair and parade witnessed by an estimated half a million people. The festival is a symbol of victory of good over evil by Raghunath , and is celebrated like elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent with
11009-463: The village temple. The deities installed on the first day of Navaratri are immersed in water. Observers visit each other and exchange sweets. Many communities in Maharashtra including the tribal communities of warli and Kokna exchange leaves of Apta tree as symbol of gold. In Mewar region of Rajasthan , both Durga and Rama have been celebrated on Vijayadashami, and it has been a major festival for Rajput warriors. In West Bengal Vijaya Dashami
11118-426: The virtues versus vices filled story is organised by communities in hundreds of small villages and towns, attracting a mix of audiences from different social, gender and economic backgrounds. In many parts of India, the audience and villagers join in and participate spontaneously, helping the artists, others helping with stage setup, make-up, effigies, and lights. These arts come to a close on the night of Dussehra, when
11227-427: The welcome ceremony of Dashain. Ghaṭasthāpanā ( घटस्थापना ; "sowing Jamara ") marks the beginning of Dashain. Literally, it means placing a kalasha or a pot, which symbolizes goddess Durga. Ghaṭasthāpanā falls on the first day of the festival. On this day the Kalash is filled with holy water and is then sewn with barley seeds. Then the Kalash is put in the center of a rectangular sand block. The remaining bed of sand
11336-545: Was a king of Liglig-Kot until Dravya Shah captured LigligKot and became the king. Ganga Ram Rana Magar also helped Drabya Shah. Ligligkot is also considered the foundation of the Gorkha Kingdom and the foundation of our nation . After Dravya Shah captured LigligKot from Magar King Dalsur Ghale Magar, he captured Gorkhakot, the last Magarat area, from the Magar King, Mansingh Khadka Magar in BS 1616 Bhadra 25. In
11445-470: Was bathing with her friends. As time went by, the son and his angel bride had three sons. These sons were the ancestors of the Buddha, Roka, and Gharti clans. The origin of the fourth major clan is different. One of the three sons was a shepherd who kept losing the same female goat every day, so one day he followed her when she wandered away from the rest of the herd. He discovered that she was giving her milk to
11554-585: Was built by them. To this day, large numbers of Chitoria/Chitorey Magars are found in the Gorkha District . Additionally, in the Manakamana Temple located in Gorkha , it is mandatory for a priest to be a Magar; specifically, the priest must be a descendant of Saint Lakhan Thapa Magar, who is described as a spiritual guide for Ram Shah , and he had a very close relationship with the queen, who
11663-564: Was considered an incarnation of the Goddess Durga Bhawani, an incarnation of Parvati. Similarly, Bhirkot, Gahraukot, Khilung, Nuwakot, Satahukot, Sarankot, Dhor, Lamjung, Gorkha Kalika, Salyankot Dhading also have Magar priests from Saru, Baral, Saru, Saru, Pulami, Chumi, Darlami, DudhrRana, Bhusal/Maski, Saru/Rana Magar clan respectively. The main priests of Kalika, the goddess protecting the kingdoms of Lamjung and Gorkha , were also Bohara Magars. Magars have been in charge of
11772-435: Was considered an incarnation of the Goddess. Interestingly, the main priests of Kalika, the goddess protecting the kingdoms of Lamjung and Gorkha, were also Bohara Magars; it is striking to note how the Magars have been in charge of the religious functions linked to the very source of Thakuri power. The 18th-century king, Prithvi Narayan Shah , the founder of the modern Kingdom of Nepal announced and loved to call himself '
11881-487: Was married to Abhaya Sen (Magar King) of Palpa. From her was born the great king of kings Bhattarajadeva. Around 1700, the ruler of Baldeng (near present-day Butwal) was overthrown by Palpa and other chaubisi states, and he was supposedly a Magar king. Magars are divided into the following Eight tribes (clans) listed here in an alphabetical order: Ale, Budha/Budhathoki, Chitorey/Chitaurey, Gharti, Pun, Rana, Roka, Thapa. These tribes all intermarry with each other, have
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