What’s your Dashain plan? If you do not have a clue of where your ideal Dashain holiday is near Kathmandu, my friend, Chitlang, can be an ideal destination for you.
There are numerous ways of celebrating Dashain, be it receiving blessings from elders in an intimate setting, an outdoor celebration, or gathering relatives from nooks and corners. People these days want to elevate their fun to the next level. We understand that completely and are open during the festival in Chitlang.
In auguration of Dashain with Ganesh Bhairab worship at a nearby temple, followed by the planting of jamara in Ghatasthapana. People also gather at cultural sites to get blessings and receive tika from elders too after 10 days, on the harvest of jamara.
Kathmandu to Chitlang ticket in Dashain
Kathmandu to Chitlang ticket price for a bus in Dashain is quite usual, in fact. Many people get outside the valley and Chitlang bus services could be quite vacant this time.
The ticket fare for this 1.5- to 2-hour ride is around Rs 250. The price can go higher if you have a private transfer like a taxi to reach Chitlang. If you are a tourist who wants to see Dashain in Nepal, booking your stay at Chitlang can actually help you understand more about this local tradition.
Besides the cultural purpose, the Chitlang visit can be a relaxation break if you want to make the most of the holidays with your loved ones at organic retreats.
Dashain (the story) mythological tales
Mahishasur Mardini, Shri Durga (goddess of courage), kills the demon Mahisasur. This mythological tale forms the basis of the Dashain celebration in Nepal and Dussehra in India. Mahisasur, who asked to be immortal from Lord Brahma and continued his wrongdoings, was brutally assassinated for his evil work.
Goddess Durga beat the buffalo demon, who was the son of Asura (demon) and she-buffalo named Mahisi. The Hindu mythological stories are a testament that every evil, arrogance, and threat to mankind receives a downfall, defamation, and a sad ending like the Asuras.
When did the Dashain celebration begin in Nepal?
The story of Dashain began during the Satya Yuga (Era of Truth) in Hindu mythological tales. In Nepal as well, Malla kings celebrated Dashain with much fervor at their palaces.
An inscription found in Toukhel, part of Chitlang, indicates that King Amshubarma established settlements for shepherds in the area during the Lichhavi era.
There is some historical debate regarding King Udayadev of the Licchavi dynasty. Inscriptions at Ganeshthan in Chitlang confirm his rule. In the 18th century, Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal, passed through Chitlang during his campaign to unify Nepal.
What are the main cultural festivals celebrated in Chitlang?
Kartik Purnima Nach is a dance ritual traditionally done during the full moon night of Kartik, in November. This is a mask-wearing, intricate choreography and symbolic dance for the respite of Lord Shiva in its Vairab avatar.
Tihar, Holi, Bajra Barahi festival, and Basanta Panchami are other major cultural festivals in Chitlang. Basnet caste people living here in Chitlang also organize Kul Puja. Also, there is much joy here in Markhu Chitlang during Shiva Ratri.
Majorly Newari clans stay here so one experiences a slight domination towards Newari philosophy closely related to Newari in Kathmandu and Makwanpur. One of the main attractions in Chitlang is the ancient and revered temple of Bajrayogini, who is worshipped on the hilltop also during the Navaratri, 9 nights before the Bada Dashain.
There is also proximity to the century-old Kali Devi temple, which is equally revered during festivity. Also, people come to Dakshinkali temple from the village to offer prayers to Mata and pray for the well-being of the family.
Dashain Family trip to Chitlang village and Kulekhani dam side
This can be an ideal time for one to plan a vacation when you are on holiday and the village is decorated. You can also find swings, and Dashain special cuisines on this place. When relatives gather, taking a long hike in the jungles, visiting Bheda farm, Mohini Jharana, and taking a Kulekhani boat ride is a must-do.
Musical night is great fun during Chitlang. One can come to family gatherings and enjoy vibrant nightlife celebrations with contemporary music fusion here. From the delicious Nepali cuisine, beverages, and barbeque meat, to the community experience, Chitlang Organic Village resort serves to make your family trip memorable.
On the Dashain trip, we pay a visit to the Swochandda Bhairab Temple in Chitlang, take a holy bath at Satdhara (cleanse our aura), and enjoy the richness of Chitlang. We see the nature and culture of this Newari settlement village and make the most of the cultural show here in Chitlang.
Dashain celebration in Chitlang
Natives here in Chitlang revere Taleju Mai temple in Dashain. On the night of Dashami in Chitlang, there is the practice of Khadga Jatra celebrated by locals, and the last tills Ekadashi the next day after the Dashain, the festival of the South.
Nawami puja, the ninth day of Dashain, is significant for the Mani puja, where sacred Mani stones and symbols are worshipped. Like the other days, today also we worship reverberation to Bhairab (a fierce avatar of Lord Shiva), whose divine vahana is a dog (shvana). The traditional practice of animal sacrifice like goat or buffalo is especially done in Ashtami or Nawami Puja.
Locals fly kites, carry local ceremonies, celebrate their clan lord, Hindu deity Goddess Durga Kali, and as a blessing, people wear the white and red cloth (toran) necklace. Toran is worn as Goddess Durga wore the intestine of Mahisashur (buffalo demon cross) after defeating him.
Musical Fest in Chitlang in Dashain
A musical fest is arranged in Chitlang annually during Dashain. Mangal Dhun and Malshree Dhun, two deeply rooted musical tones in Newari culture, lit up the celebratory mood. It is an amazing combination of traditional Newari flute music, tabla, and sitar. Youth and experienced professionals team this up with traditional folklore to create a festive atmosphere.
Family feasting in Chitlang in Dashain
Family feasting is a way to shower some love in the festive atmosphere and the Newari clan is also no exception. Here at Chitlang, some popular dishes served during Dashain are;
- Sel Roti: fried (doughnut-like appearance) rice flour sweet
- Yomari: Sweet dumplings (rice flour) filled with molasses or sesame seeds
- Aloo Tama: A spicy potato and bamboo shoot dish
- Gundruk: Fermented mustard leaf pickle
- Koja: Sweet, fried dough balls
- Mutton and Buffalo meat with beaten rice, side pickles, and curry
Lal-heera (naach): Chitlang Deula 12 Barsa Nach
World’s longest folk dance show The main Kulguru trained it all this Lal-heera (naach), a dramatic story that happened just 2 years back. We need to wait another decade to see the rich traditions of the Chitlang people.
Khadga Jatra in Chitlang ( Dashain )
Balami Youth Group, Kapugaun in Chitlang, has been organizing this jatra annually, where they use weapons like Khukuri to slay demons (created for a show), in a rhythmic pattern, and celebrate victory over evil.
In the Newari language, ‘Pa’ means traditional weapons like axes or swords used in war, and ‘ya’ means festivity. Thereby, Paya processions are taken out from Guthi.
The Bhusiya baja and dhimey are played in the background while 7 to 10 people actively try to make the assassination display of Mahishasur. Khadga, a special kind of sword, is taken out of Taleju temple with rituals and has been in practice since the rule of King Mahendra Malla in the 16th century.
This ritual is also inspired by tantric sacraments. This jatra has a different meaning to each one for the Newar clan. This festival marks the crop ripening period and is celebrated with joy to shield the clan against the vulnerability of disease of any kind.
Conclusion
A curious person by heart will love Chitlang; most as every aspect and facet it reveals gives a new adventure of a kind. It’s a family trip staycation destination in Chitlang where tranquility, a strong cultural atmosphere, and a relaxing escape are due. Make sure to check the availability and book in advance to have some outdoor fun in Chitlang, with us.
