Dashain is a major Hindu religious festival celebrated in Nepal and the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal. It is also celebrated by Hindus of Nepal and elsewhere in the world, including among the Lhotshampa of Bhutan and the Burmese Gurkhas of Myanmar. Dashain is the longest and most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, traditionally celebrated for two weeks with prayers and offerings to Durga, the Universal Mother Goddess. The festival falls in September or October, starting from the bright lunar night of the month of Ashwin and ending on Purnima, the full moon. Among the fifteen days on which it is celebrated, the most celebrated days are the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and fifteenth.

During Dashain, people offer sacrifices to the goddess Durga to ensure their progress and prosperity. The festival also celebrates the victory of good over evil beings, symbolized by the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasura. People fly kites, play swings, and cards, and do shopping. Apart from these activities, they offer goat sacrifices in the name of goddess Durga too. Men and women in their fineries visit their elders to seek tika, a dab of red vermilion mixed with yogurt and rice, accompanied by blessings. Sword processions are also held in various parts of the Kathmandu Valley.

Dashain is a time for family reunions, exchange of gifts and blessings, and elaborate pujas. All government offices, educational institutions, and other offices remain closed during the festival period. Tourists can experience Nepals religious culture and traditional customs by attending various kinds of celebrations, like Dashain flying kites and Dashain cards. The festival is often criticized for its animal sacrifice, and many online petitions have been registered calling for government action against mass animal sacrifice.