How is Navratri 2025 celebrated in Nepal and other neighboring countries?

In Nepal, Navratri is called Dashain. People worship Goddess Durga and celebrate with family gatherings, animal sacrifices in some regions, and flying kites. In Bangladesh, it is mainly Durga Puja, with huge pandals, cultural programs, and processions. In Bhutan, monasteries perform masked dances, connecting the festival to Buddhist traditions.

I visited Nepal during Dashain once. The whole country was decorated with jamara (barley shoots), tika, and red clothes. Families exchange blessings from elders. It felt like Diwali and Navratri mixed together. People take holidays and travel back to their hometowns, so it’s more about family reunion.

In Mauritius and Fiji, where many Hindus live, Navratri is observed with Ramayan recitals, bhajans, and Garba nights. Communities come together in temples, and fasting rules are followed strictly. So, it is truly a global festival.