Navaratri: Power Lies Within Ourselves

Although Navaratri, or Dashain, is traditionally a Hindu festival, growing up in the Kathmandu Valley, we perceived it as Nepal’s festival. People from all communities and religions celebrated Dashain with nearly the same enthusiasm as Hindus, which instilled in us the idea that Dashain is a national celebration that belonged to everyone in Nepal. With the advent of Nepal’s Federal Republic, this sentiment has slightly shifted, yet the core essence remains. People from diverse backgrounds still celebrate Dashain with the same gusto, engaging in traditions like buying new clothes, enjoying good food, and visiting family and friends. Another significant custom in many Nepali homes is visiting temples —especially Devi temples — during each of Navaratri’s nine days to honour the embodiment of Shakti, a powerful symbol in Hindu culture.