KATHMANDU: Vijaya Dashami, the main day of Dashain, is being celebrated today all over the country with great enthusiasm.

On the tenth and the main day of Dashain, people from the Hindu community receive tika (a mixture of red vermilion, yoghurt and rice) and jamara (germinated seeds of barley, wheat, corn and rice) accompanied by blessings from their elders. Some communities also offer and receive white-coloured tika.

Though people can receive and offer tika from the day of Vijaya Dashami to Kojagrat Purnima, the most auspicious time for receiving and offering tika this year is at 10:35 am on Vijaya Dashami day, according to Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti (NPNS).

During Dashain, over the period of nine days, Goddess Durga and her manifestations are worshipped as the festival is celebrated in commemoration of the victory of good over evil.

Tika and jamara are considered auspicious gifts of Goddess Nava Durga.

As per Hindu mythology, there was a demon named Mahishasur who spread horror by attacking Trilok (the three worlds of heaven, earth and hell). The gods were not able to defeat him as the demon had received a boon that prevented him from getting killed by "a man or animal".

Later, he was defeated and killed by Goddess Durga. It is believed that the first nine days of Dashain represents the constant tussle between vice and virtue. The tenth day is celebrated as the auspicious day of victory.

Similarly, according to another Hindu belief, on this day, Lord Ram of Ayodhya defeated the Ravana who had abducted Sita, Ram's wife.

Meanwhile, people from the Newar community celebrate Mwohni, on this day. A Mwohni tika also known Mwohni Sinha (a black tika), accompanied with the red tika along with jamara and kokha (white and red shreds/pieces of cotton), are also offered and received. Newars interpret Mwohni as the festival where they worship the divine presence within their soul.

The Marwari community perform Durga Puja during Dashain and worship Durga as the goddess of Shakti or energy. Dashain is marked with much devotion and fervour. They celebrate the festival by worshipping, eating delicious meals, being dressed in new and cultural attires, and rejoicing in the company of family and friends.

THT wishes all our readers a Happy and Prosperous Vijaya Dashami