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Introduction
Sikkim
The second smallest state of India, is nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. Popularly referred as the "Land of the mighty Khangchendzonga", Sikkim is a garden state with an incredible variety of orchids, rhododendrons, gladioli and various other flowers. Sikkim's population consists of Lepchas, Nepalese and Bhutias with the Nepali Hindus constituting the majority community. Some of the Hindu festivals that are celebrated in Sikkim include Tihaar, Dasain, Saraswati Puja, Makar Sankranti, etc.
Dasain
The biggest and most important festival of the Nepalese Hindus, Dasain is celebrated in Sikkim in the month of Aswin (September-October). While Hindus around the world celebrate Durga Puja, the Nepalese observe the days as Dasain or Bijaya Dashami. This fortnight long festival is celebrated to symbolize the victory of good over evil. It is widely believed that on this day the evil Mahisashura was slain in a fierce fight by Goddess Durga who is the embodiment of Goodness and Shakti.
On the first day of the festival, barley seeds are sown in the soil and if they grow a few inches, it foretells a good harvest. The next important day, a week later is Fulpati - meaning the "day of flowers". Maha Astami and Kala Ratri follow Fulpati. The next day is Navami. The 10th day of the festival is known as Bijaya Dashami and also marks the victory of Lord Rama over the evil Ravana. During this day people smear their foreheads with colored rice and the barley sprouts which were sown on the first day of Dasain are picked and placed over the ears. The elders of the family bless the young with 'tika' and gratuities.
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