Nepali Calendar 2024 Ashoj
As a Nepali living abroad, it’s always been important to me to stay connected to my culture and traditions. One way I do this is by following the Nepali calendar, which is filled with festivals and events that bring our communities together. In this article, I’ll be sharing my personal experience with the Nepali Calendar 2024 Ashoj, as well as providing information on the festivals and events celebrated during this time.
What is the Nepali Calendar?
The Nepali calendar is a lunisolar calendar used in Nepal and some parts of India. It is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun, and each month is divided into two parts: the bright half (shukla paksha) and the dark half (krishna paksha). The calendar is used to determine important dates for festivals, religious ceremonies, and auspicious events.
What is Ashoj?
Ashoj is the seventh month of the Nepali calendar, which usually falls between September and October in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time of transition, as the monsoon season comes to an end and the weather starts to cool down. During this month, many festivals and events take place, making it a busy and exciting time for Nepalis.
Events and Festivals in Nepali Calendar 2024 Ashoj
Here is a list of the major festivals and events celebrated during Nepali Calendar 2024 Ashoj:
- Dashain
- Tihar
- Chhath Puja
- Navaratri
- Kojagrat Purnima
Celebrating Dashain
Dashain is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Nepal, and it falls during the month of Ashoj. It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and it is marked by the worship of the goddess Durga. During this time, Nepalis clean their homes, wear new clothes, and gather with family and friends. The festival lasts for 15 days, and each day has its own significance and rituals.
Tihar: The Festival of Lights
Tihar, also known as Deepawali, is another major festival celebrated during Nepali Calendar 2024 Ashoj. It is a five-day festival that is dedicated to the worship of various deities, including Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. The festival is marked by the lighting of diyas and candles, as well as the decoration of homes with rangolis and marigold flowers. It is a time of joy and celebration, as Nepalis come together to share food and exchange gifts.
Chhath Puja: Honoring the Sun God
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival that is celebrated to honor the Sun God, and it falls during Nepali Calendar 2024 Ashoj. It is primarily celebrated by people from the Terai region of Nepal, as well as some parts of India. During this time, devotees fast and offer prayers to the Sun God, and they also take dips in rivers or other bodies of water. The festival is seen as a way to thank the Sun God for his blessings and to ask for his continued protection.
Navaratri: Nine Nights of Worship
Navaratri is a nine-day festival that is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga, and it falls during Nepali Calendar 2024 Ashoj. It is a time of fasting, prayer, and celebration, and it is marked by the chanting of mantras and the offering of food and flowers to the goddess. The festival is seen as a way to honor the divine feminine and to seek her blessings for health, wealth, and happiness.
Kojagrat Purnima: The Night of Awakening
Kojagrat Purnima is the full moon day that falls during the month of Ashoj, and it is a time of great significance in the Nepali calendar. It is believed that on this night, the goddess Laxmi descends to Earth and blesses people with wealth and prosperity. Many Nepalis stay awake all night, singing hymns and offering prayers to Laxmi, in the hopes of receiving her blessings.
Question and Answer
Q: Why is the Nepali calendar important?
A: The Nepali calendar is important because it helps to preserve our cultural and religious traditions. It is a way for Nepalis to stay connected to their roots, no matter where they are in the world.
Q: How is the Nepali calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
A: The Nepali calendar is a lunisolar calendar, which means it is based on both the cycles of the moon and the sun. The Gregorian calendar, on the other hand, is a solar calendar that is based solely on the position of the Earth in relation to the sun.
FAQs
Q: When does Nepali Calendar 2024 Ashoj start and end?
A: Nepali Calendar 2024 Ashoj starts on September 18, 2024, and ends on October 17, 2024.
Q: What is the significance of Dashain?
A: Dashain is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and it is marked by the worship of the goddess Durga. It is a time for Nepalis to come together with family and friends, and to celebrate their culture and traditions.
Q: What is the significance of Kojagrat Purnima?
A: Kojagrat Purnima is a night of great significance in the Nepali calendar, as it is believed that the goddess Laxmi descends to Earth and blesses people with wealth and prosperity. Many Nepalis stay awake all night, offering prayers and hymns to Laxmi, in the hopes of receiving her blessings.