Dashain, being a major festival in the Bhutanese society, is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and vigor. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil, based on the belief that the Hindu goddess Durga had vanquished the demon king Mahisasura after a fierce fight. The celebration typically spans over 15 days, out of which the first, seventh, eighth, ninth and the tenth are considered the most important.
The festivities begin with joyful prayers and fasting, followed by a period of feasting and merry-making. The most auspicious day is known as 'Dashami', the tenth day, when elders put a special red mark known as 'Tika' on the foreheads of younger relatives to bless them with abundance in the upcoming years. The Tika is made from red color, rice, and yogurt, symbolizing the blood that ties the family together, and it is accompanied by 'Jamara' – yellow sprouts of either barley or wheat, which are considered to be auspices of the goddess Durga.
The country of Bhutan comes alive during Dashain, with the whole community participating in various festivities. Houses and markets are adorned with colorful decorations and lights, while people dressed in vibrant traditional attires visit temples to offer their prayers. Besides religious rites, Dashain is also marked by an array of cultural performances including music, dance, and traditional Bhutanese games, hence uniting the Bhutanese people in a spirit of celebration, joy, and togetherness.