Dashain 2082 — Dates, Tika Times, Holidays & Celebration Guide

Dashain (दशैं) is Nepal's longest and most celebrated Hindu festival, honoring the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. In 2082 BS, Dashain falls in the month of Ashwin, with celebrations typically spanning 15 days from Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnima. This guide covers everything you need to know about Dashain 2082 — the key dates, significance of each day, tika times, public holidays, and practical travel tips.

Dashain 2082 Key Dates

Below are the approximate Dashain 2082 dates in Bikram Sambat. For precise AD equivalents, use our Date Converter tool.

Check the full month view on our Calendar 2082 page for a printable calendar with all holidays marked.

Significance of Each Day

Ghatasthapana (Day 1) — The Sacred Beginning

Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana (घटस्थापना), which literally means "establishing the sacred vessel." On this day, families set up a puja room with a clay pot (kalash) filled with holy water and plant barley seeds (jamara) in a bed of sand and cow dung. The jamara is kept in a dark room and watered daily. By Dashami, the yellow sprouts are placed on devotees' heads along with tika as a blessing from elders. The ritual must begin during a specific auspicious time determined by astrologers.

Phulpati (Day 7) — The Sacred Flowers

Phulpati (फूलपाती) means "day of flowers." A sacred bundle of flowers, banana stalks, jamara, and sugarcane is brought in a grand procession, historically from the royal palace in Gorkha to Kathmandu's Hanuman Dhoka. This day marks the beginning of the most intense celebrations. Government offices begin their Dashain holidays from Phulpati, and the festive mood reaches a crescendo in markets and neighborhoods across Nepal.

Maha Ashtami (Day 8) — The Great Eighth Day

Maha Ashtami (महा अष्टमी) is the most intense day of worship. Temples across Nepal perform elaborate pujas and animal sacrifices to honor goddess Durga. The famous Taleju temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square opens to the public only on this day. Kaal Ratri (the dark night) puja takes place on the eve of Navami, involving continuous worship through the night with 108 buffalo and 54 goat sacrifices at Dashain Ghar in Hanuman Dhoka.

Maha Navami (Day 9) — Worship of Tools and Weapons

On Maha Navami (महा नवमी), Nepalis perform Vishwakarma Puja — the worship of all tools, vehicles, and instruments of livelihood. Offices, factories, and garages are cleaned and decorated, and tools are blessed with vermilion, flowers, and incense. Government vehicles are washed and worshipped. This tradition reflects gratitude for the instruments that sustain life and work.

Vijaya Dashami (Day 10) — The Day of Victory

Vijaya Dashami (विजया दशमी) is the climax of Dashain. This is the most important day when family members visit their elders to receive tika (a mixture of rice, yogurt, and vermilion) and jamara (the barley sprouts grown since Ghatasthapana) on their foreheads, along with blessings and dakshina (monetary gift). The celebration continues for up to five days, allowing everyone to visit relatives across the country.

Tika Time Predictions for Dashain 2082

The auspicious tika time is determined by Nepal's royal astrologers and officially announced a few days before Vijaya Dashami. The timing is based on planetary positions and nakshatras. In most years, the recommended tika time falls between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Vijaya Dashami. However, families may receive tika any time during the five-day tika period (from Dashami through the full moon day).

We will update this section with the exact official tika time once it is announced by the government. Bookmark this page and check back closer to Dashain 2082.

Public Holidays During Dashain 2082

The Nepal government typically declares public holidays from Phulpati (Saptami) through at least two days after Vijaya Dashami. In most years, this results in 5 to 7 consecutive public holidays. Schools and many offices may close for up to two weeks. The official Dashain holiday list for 2082 will be published by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Phulpati (Saptami) — Public holiday
• Maha Ashtami — Public holiday
• Maha Navami — Public holiday
• Vijaya Dashami — Public holiday
• Ekadashi — Public holiday
• Dwadashi — Often declared a holiday

Dashain Wishes and Greetings

Sharing warm Dashain wishes with loved ones is an essential part of the festival. Whether you are in Nepal or abroad, sending heartfelt greetings strengthens family bonds. Common Dashain greetings include:

• "दशैंको हार्दिक मंगलमय शुभकामना!" — Heartfelt Dashain wishes!
• "विजया दशमीको उपलक्ष्यमा सुख, शान्ति र समृद्धिको कामना!"
• "यो दशैंले सबैमा खुशी र समृद्धि ल्याओस्!"

Looking for more festive messages? Check out our Birthday Wishes collection for inspiration, and explore Nepali Quotes for thoughtful messages to share with family.

Travel Tips During Dashain

Dashain is the busiest travel season in Nepal. Millions of people head home to celebrate with their families. Here are some practical tips:

1. Book early: Reserve bus, flight, and hotel tickets at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Popular routes from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Chitwan, and the Terai fill up fast.
2. Budget for higher fares: Transport fares often increase by 20 to 50 percent during Dashain. The government sets maximum fare limits, but demand pricing is common.
3. Carry cash: ATMs in rural areas may run out of cash during the festival. Banks may be closed for several days.
4. Stock up on essentials: Shops close during Ashtami through Dashami. Buy groceries and medicines in advance.
5. Drive carefully: Roads are congested and accidents spike during Dashain. If driving, leave early and take breaks.

Related Tools

Make the most of Dashain 2082 with these helpful Online Calculator Nepal resources:

• Calendar 2082 — Full-year Nepali calendar with all holidays
• Date Converter — Convert Dashain dates between BS and AD
• Nepali Quotes — Share meaningful quotes this Dashain

Frequently Asked Questions