This is the main festival of the Hindu Nepalese community of Sikkim celebrated usually in the month of October. It coincides and is celebrated in the same way as Dusherra in other parts of the country. The puja of Goddess Durga is performed from the first day (Prathama) to the ninth day (Navmi). On the tenth day, the elders in every family applies ‘tika’ on the young ones and bless them. Cash or gift in kind is also given by the elders as token of blessings.

History & Significance of the Festival

According to Hindu mythology, during the Puranic times, a demon named Mahishasura had created terror in the ‘Devloka’ and it had almost become impossible for the gods to defeat him even using strongest of their powers. To get rid of such a ruthless asura, Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh blended all their super-powers and created Goddess Shakti or Durga. She fought with Mahishasura in her various manifestations for nine days, finally vanquishing him on the tenth day, which is today, celebrated as the day of ‘Bijaya Dashmi’ signifying the victory of good over evil. In other Northern parts of the country, people also celebrate this day as ‘Dussehra’ commemorating the auspicious occasion when Lord Rama killed the demon Ravana.