Chaite Dashain in 2024

When is Chaite Dashain?

Chaite Dashain is a regional holiday observed on the 7th day of the month of Baishakha in the Bikram Sambat calendar. This means it usually takes place in March or April in the western calendar.

Also known as Chaitra Shukla Ashtami, this Hindu festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. 

Traditions of Chaite Dashain

Chaite Dashain falls in the final month, Chait, of the Bikram Sambat calendar. It is known as Chaite Dashain or 'Small Dashain'. The big Dashain falls in autumn and lasts for 15 days, while the small Dashain lasts for only two days.

The reason behind the celebration of Chaite Dashain is the victory of Rama, the central character of the epic Ramayana, over the ten-headed demon Ravana with the help of Goddess Durga or Bhagawati. 

Ravana had abducted the beloved Princess of India, Sita. Lord Rama rescued the Princess, proving victorious over the powerful and evil Ravana.

The second day of Chaite Dashain is celebrated as Ram Navami as the festival to celebrate the birth of Rama.  

In many parts of India, the festivals to celebrate Rama's victory (Dussehra) and that of Durga over the demon king, Mahisasur (Durga Pjua), take place at the same time during Big Dashain.

In Nepal, the focus of Big Dashain is definitely on the exploits of Durga, so rather than not celebrate Rama's victory, it is moved to Small Dashain.