Nepali Times

Dasain aayo

Dasain aayo, Dasain, the longest and the most auspicious festival in Nepali culture, is celebrated by worshipping goddess Durga in all her manifestations with various pujas and offerings.

25 September, Ghatastapana: Jau (barley) is planted in a kalash (vessel) filled with holy water to produce jamara (malt sapling) that is used on the seventh day.

1 October, Fulpati: Seventh day when fulpati (jamara, different types of flowers and banana stalks) is brought to Kathmandu from Gorkha. Generally families bring fulpatis to their prayer rooms.

2 October, Maha Astami: The day of Kaalratri puja to worship Kali, a demonic avatar of Goddess Durga.

3 October, Maha Nawami and Dashami: The day marks the victory of goddess Durga over the demon. The Taleju temple at Hanuman Dhoka is opened for public only once a year on this day. Factories, machineries and vehicles are worshipped. People take tikas, jamaras and blessings from their elders.

7 October, Kojagrat Purnima: Tika goes on till this day and Dasain finally concludes.

Yoga, A workshop tailored to help trekkers to prepare, restore and learn through yoga. Rs 1,350, 28 September, 2 to 5pm, Pranamaya Yoga Studio, Thamel

Festive night, An evening with live music, scrumptious dinner and exciting games. Rs 1,500, 26 September, Greenwich Hotel, Sanepa, 98010082092

Pre-Dasain, Fun night for families and friends with music by S.O.S. Rs 1,000, 27 September, Road House Dining, Lajimpat

Dasain party, Party with friends and families in an open, comfortable space with live acoustic music. 27 September, 4 to 10pm, The Organic Village Bu-keba, Bakhundole

Carnival, An event amid Dasain packed with food stalls, children activities, shows and displays. Entry: Rs 100, 27 September, 10am onwards, Hotel Platinum, Soaltee Mode, 9851085623

Dasain Dhamaka, A chilled afternoon with kite-flying followed by a screening of a film by Hayao Miyazaki. 27 September, 1 to 7pm, Sattya, Jawalakhel

Let’s write, An hour-long writing workshop hosted by editors of literary magazine La.Lit. 26 September, Quixote’s Cove, Ekantakuna, Register: [email protected], www.facebook.com/lalitmag

Changa Fiesta, Bring out your spool, join the kite-flying competition and enjoy barbeque, bingo and music. Entry: Rs 500, 27 September, 2pm onwards, Hotel Snowman, Nagarkot

Changa-Chait, Join the enjoyment in a kite-flying competition on an open ground. Rs 100, 27 September, 1pm onwards, Nepal Cricket Stadium, Mulpani

Chez Caroline

Chez Caroline, Authentic ambience, exquisite food, glorious sunshine and French fusion delicacies, Babar Mahal Revisited, (01)4263070 Open throughout Dasain

Vesper Café, Has a quaint outdoor patio, great for leisurely dining, serves diverse foods that reflect Italian lifestyle. Jhamsikhel, (01)5548179

Open throughout Dashain, 2 to 10pm on 30 September to 2 October, 5 to 10pm on 3 October

Little Italy, Go vegetarian at this Italian food chain that sticks to truly authentic flavours and textures. Darbar Marg

Open throughout Dasain

Mezze by Roadhouse, Dine at this place with smart, modern interior and chic terrace, and imbibe the Italian culture. Darbar Marg

Open throughout Dasain,

(4pm onwards on 3 October)

Grill Me, A haven for meat lovers, the restaurant stays true to its name. Jhamsikhel

Open on all days except 1 to 4 October

Vootoo, A delectable selection of Newari food, don’t miss out on the sukuti. Lajimpat

Open on all days except 30 September to 4 October

Yin Yang Restaurant, East meets west as you choose from a variety of Thai and continental dishes. Thamel, (01)4701510

Open throughout Dashain,

(6pm onwards on 3 October)

Barista lavazza, The newest addition to the Valley’s European inspired coffee-culture cafes serves excellent mochas and lattes, don’t forget to try their grilled chicken sandwich. Jawalakhel

Open on all days except 1 to 4 October