Chaite Dashain falls generally in the final month, Chaitra, of Bikram Sambat calendar. It is known as Chaite Dashain or Small Dashain. The big Dashain falls in autumn. This Year Chaite Dashain is in 4th April 2017 i.e Chaitra 22, 2074 BS.
It is almost the last festival in Nepali calendar year. After this festival, we have a new year ahead within few days. This festival has two days of celebration. First day is Ram Navami (The birth day of Lord RamChandra) and second day is Dashami. Some part of Nepal and India, Chaite Dashain is called Chaitra Navaratri.
This festival has same days of importance as the 10 days of Bijaya Dashami even though it is publicly celebrated for 2 days.
Chaite Dashain is celebration of the victory of good over evil.
When is Ram Nawami and Chaite Dashain?
Ram Navami is on Chaitra Sukla Navami according to Hindu lunar calendar. It is on 13 Chaitra 2071 that is on March 27, 2015. Ram Nawami and Chaite Dashain together also known as Sano Dashain (Small Dashain). Ram Nawami is followed by Chaite Dashain and Chaite Dashain is on March 28, 2015. (Chaitra 14, 2071).
How do we celebrate Chaite Dashain?
People keep fasting in the day of Ram Nawami and visit temples of Lord Ram. In Chaite Dashain day Goddess Durga is worshiped and animal sacrifices are made in some temples especially in temples of Durga Bhawani. Number of water buffalos, goats, chicken and ducks are sacrificed in Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur Durbar square.
This festival is the public holiday in Nepal. People enjoy the day off with their family and friends. People eat good food and invite relatives and loved one for the feast.
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