Nepal is celebrating the seventh day of its most significant festival, Dashain, with the Phulpati ceremony. This traditional event marks the beginning of the final leg of Dashain festivities, which are observed for two weeks across the country. The Phulpati ceremony is an integral part of Dashain celebrations and is deeply rooted in Nepalese culture and history.
Phulpati is an assortment of flowers, leaves, and fruits considered auspicious. It is anointed at the Dashain Ghar on the seventh day of the festival. The ritualistic shipment of Phulpati from Gorkha Dashainghar to Hanumandhoka Durbar in Kathmandu is a time-honored tradition that dates back to the rule of King Prithvi Narayan Shah from Hanumandhoka Durbar in Kathmandu.
The Phulpati procession begins from Gorkha Dashainghar and travels through various locations, including Phulpati Chautara at Satipipal, before reaching Kathmandu. The procession is accompanied by government officials, the Nepal Army, the Nepal Police, and high-ranking officials of the Armed Police and civil service. The event also features cultural pageantry and band music.
Dashain is the longest Hindu festival in Nepal, traditionally celebrated for two weeks with prayers and offerings to Durga, the Universal Mother Goddess. The festival honors Goddess Durga, who was created out of the shakti or energy of all the gods, armed with weapons from each of them. During Dashain, men and women visit their elders to seek tika (a dab of red vermilion mixed with yogurt and rice) accompanied by blessings.
The Phulpati ceremony is a significant event in Dashain festivities. On this day, the royal Kalash, banana stalks, jamara, and sugar cane tied with red cloth are brought by Magars from Gorkha. Hundreds of government officials gather in Tundikhel grounds to witness the event. The king used to observe the ceremony in Tundikhel while the Phulpati parade was headed towards the Hanuman Dhoka royal palace.
Dashain is celebrated for 15 days, from the new moon day (Ghatasthapana) to the full moon day (Kojagrat Purnima). The festival includes various rituals and ceremonies, such as Ghatasthapana, Phool Pati, Mahaastami, Navami, and Vijaya Dashami. Each day has its unique significance and rituals, making Dashain a rich and vibrant cultural experience for Nepalis.
The Phulpati procession is a three-day-long event that culminates in a grand parade at Hanumandhoka. The state offers sacrifices of buffaloes underneath shooting salutes in Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace. The night of Maha Navami is also known as Kal Ratri or the Black Night, where thousands of devotees visit to pray and honor the Goddess throughout the day.
As Dashain progresses, the festivities reach a peak. The ninth day, Maha Navami, is marked by official ritual sacrifices of the Nepal Armed Forces in one of the Hanuman Dhoka royal palaces. This day is also known as the demon-hunting day because members of the defeated demon army try to save themselves by hiding in the bodies of animals and fowls.
The final day of Dashain, Bijaya Dashami, is the most important day of the festival. On this day, everyone dresses in new elegant dresses and receives tika and blessings from the elders. The women prepare the tika, rice, vermilion, and yogurt mixture. The elders also give younger ones Dakshina blessings to be the right people and have a better future.
Dashain is a time for family reunions, exchange of gifts, and blessings. It is a festival that signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with great fervor across Nepal. The Phulpati ceremony is a highlight of these festivities, showcasing Nepal's rich cultural heritage and traditions.
