Dashain usually falls in September or October, but its Gregorian dates change each year according to the Nepali festival calendar. For UK families, the practical next step is to confirm the year's observances and any locally relevant ritual timing before arranging family visits, Jamara preparations and food shopping.
Dashain is not just one day: Ghatasthapana marks its beginning, Vijaya Dashami is the main Tika observance, and Kojagrat Purnima marks its close. Family and community practices vary, so use a trusted calendar alongside guidance from your family or local temple.
Dashain 2026: corrected reference dates
These dates are provided as a historical reference for Nepal. Dashain 2026 has already passed. They are not upcoming shopping deadlines or instructions for UK auspicious timing.
- Ghatasthapana: 11 October 2026, listed in Nepal Rastra Bank's 2083 holiday calendar.
- Vijaya Dashami: 21 October 2026, listed in Kathmandu Metropolitan City's calendar.
- Kojagrat Purnima: 25 October 2026, listed in Kathmandu Metropolitan City's calendar.
Sources: Nepal Rastra Bank holiday calendar and Kathmandu Metropolitan City calendar. A public-holiday period is not the same thing as the full religious festival sequence. For another year, consult that year's calendar rather than reusing these dates.
For a ceremony in the UK, ask a trusted local temple or calendar adviser about location-specific timing. Do not simply treat a Nepal auspicious time as a UK clock time.
What is Dashain?
Dashain is a major Nepali festival associated with Goddess Durga and the victory of good over evil. For many families it is a time of blessings, reunion and shared meals. The importance of particular observances and the way they are carried out differ between households and communities.
In the UK, celebrations may happen at home, with extended family or through community gatherings. Some families travel to elders, while others connect remotely. No single arrangement describes every Nepali household.
Ghatasthapana and preparing Jamara
Ghatasthapana is associated with establishing the sacred pot and beginning Jamara preparations. Jamara refers to young cereal shoots used in Dashain observances. Follow your household's chosen materials and method rather than assuming all families use an identical growing setup.
If growing at home, arrange the materials in advance. Check whether a product supplies seeds, other growing materials or shoots, and whether it is intended for your purpose. Growth depends on conditions and is not guaranteed by a generic timetable.
Our Jamara and Tika UK preparation guide explains the buying checks in more detail, including an ambiguity in the Jamara listing that should be clarified before ordering.
Navaratri, Ashtami and Navami
The early part of Dashain is associated with worship of Durga and Navaratri. Ashtami and Navami are important observances, but ritual practices and food choices vary. Avoid assuming that every household follows the same ceremony or includes meat.
If planning a meal for guests, ask about their preferences, dietary needs and allergens rather than relying on a fixed festival menu.
Vijaya Dashami: Tika, Jamara and blessings
Vijaya Dashami is widely associated with receiving Tika, Jamara and blessings from elders. Follow your family's practice for the materials and ceremony. Similar names or colours do not make all ritual powders interchangeable.
Read intended-use labels, keep non-food ritual products separate from food ingredients and confirm suitability before applying a product. This guide does not prescribe a universal Tika mixture.
Planning a Dashain meal in the UK
A household's menu might include khasi ko masu, sel roti, chiura, yoghurt, achar or sweets. These are ideas to plan around, not a requirement to buy every item or a claim that all families eat the same dishes.
- Khasi ko masu: follow a trusted recipe and source meat from a suitable supplier. Use cooking oils explicitly labelled for food use.
- Sel roti: choose a recipe and check the flour and other ingredients it specifies.
- Chiura and achar: choose the product form, ingredients and pack size suited to your meal.
- Yoghurt and sweets: check ingredients, allergens and storage directions.
- Vegetarian dishes: plan according to your household's preferences rather than treating meat as essential.
Explore relevant ingredients and puja supplies
Build your list from your menu and the supplies already at home. MasalaMart's Nepali Food collection, Rice & Flour collection and Pooja & Puja Items collection are starting points, not a guarantee that every festival item is available.
Gundruk Dried Leafy Greens 150g
If gundruk suits your menu, explore Gundruk Dried Leafy Greens 150g. It is a dried fermented leafy-green ingredient rather than prepared achar. Follow the packet or a reliable recipe for your chosen dish.
Puja Thali – Khopiwala
For organising ritual supplies, view the Khopiwala Puja Thali. Check dimensions, material and exactly which pieces are supplied. Do not assume all accessories in a photo are included or that a ceremonial vessel is suitable for serving food.
Buying checklist for UK families
- Confirm the year's dates and locally relevant observances.
- Agree who is organising Jamara, Tika and the gathering.
- Check plates, lamps and other reusable supplies already at home.
- Choose a menu and ask guests about dietary requirements.
- Compare ingredients, net weights and included pieces before ordering.
- Check availability and the delivery options for your full address.
Allow realistic delivery time
MasalaMart's standard delivery estimate is 3–5 working days from ordering, including processing. Working days are Monday–Friday, excluding public holidays. This is not a guarantee of arrival for a particular festival date.
General grocery free delivery is available on eligible orders over £50 UK-wide and over £30 in South East London only. Confirm available services, charges and product eligibility for your address before ordering. These general thresholds do not establish fresh or frozen delivery coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dashain on the same date every year?
No. Gregorian dates change with the festival calendar. Check the relevant year rather than reusing an old article's dates.
When was Vijaya Dashami in 2026?
Kathmandu Metropolitan City's published calendar lists 21 October 2026. That is a Nepal calendar reference, not a statement of UK auspicious timing.
Is Dashain just Tika day?
No. Vijaya Dashami is a central observance within a wider festival sequence beginning with Ghatasthapana and ending at Kojagrat Purnima.
Can UK families use Nepal's auspicious time unchanged?
Do not assume so. Ask a trusted local temple or calendar adviser about timing for your location and tradition.
Does every family need the same food and puja supplies?
No. Plan around your household's practice, menu and guests. Confirm product contents and intended use before buying.
Can MasalaMart guarantee delivery for Tika day?
This guide does not promise arrival on a particular date. Check current availability and delivery options, and ask before placing a time-sensitive order.
Related guides
- Jamara and Tika UK preparation guide for growing-material and ritual-supply checks.
- Dashain, Tihar and Diwali essentials for broader shopping preparation.
- Nepali food online UK guide for ingredient choices.
Plan the celebration, then choose your supplies
Confirm your dates and family plans first, then shop for the items you actually need. Explore Nepali groceries and puja supplies at MasalaMart, checking product details and delivery options before checkout.