chaite dashain
Chaite Dashain, also known as Chaitra Dashain or Small Dashain, is a Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal, usually in the month of Chaitra (March–April) according to the Nepali lunar calendar. Unlike the major Dashain in September–October, Chaite Dashain is smaller in scale but still spiritually and culturally significant.
Religious Significance
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The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga or Goddess Kali, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
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Devotees perform puja at home or in temples, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and protection.
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It is also considered an auspicious time for new beginnings, especially for farmers starting the new agricultural season.
Traditions
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Home Worship: Families worship Goddess Durga/Kali with offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets.
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Animal Sacrifice (in some areas): Some communities perform traditional sacrifices to honor the Goddess.
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Tika and Blessings: People receive tika and jamara (sacred grass) from elders, similar to the bigger Dashain.
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Community Celebrations: Fairs, cultural programs, and local gatherings are common, particularly in villages.
Regional Variations
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In Kathmandu Valley and Terai regions, Chaite Dashain usually falls between Chaitra 1–10.
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In some areas, it’s also a time for family reunions and social bonding.
Though it is called "small Dashain," Chaite Dashain retains the essence of the festival—devotion, family, and the victory of good over evil.
