When is Phulpati?
As befits the biggest holiday of the year, there are several public holidays in Nepal during the major festival of Dashain. Also called Phool Pati, this is the seventh day of Dashain and is known as Phulpati.
Traditions of Phulpati
On the first day of the festival, Ghatasthapana, the ritual of sowing seeds took place. By Phulpati, these seeds have grown into grass known as Jamara.
In Gorkha, a Kalash (pot) is prepared with the Jamara, banana stalks and sugar cane tied with red cloth. This is then brought by Brahmins to Kathmandu Valley. The offering used to be taken to the Royal Palace, though since the monarchy was overthrown in 2008, the President of Nepal takes over the royal role.
Hundreds of government officials attend a ceremony at the Tundikhel grounds to witness the arrival.
Dashain (known as Durga Puja in India) celebrates the ten-armed mother goddess Durga and her victory over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura.
On the seventh day of Dashain, the goddess started her epic battle against Mahishasura which ended with his death on Vijaya Dashami (the 10th day).
