Dashain 2026: Celebrating Nepal's Biggest Festival in NZ

Dashain 2026 is already behind us this year, but planning for the next festival season starts early for Nepali families in New Zealand. Dashain is the biggest celebration on the Nepali calendar, and it usually falls between late September and October. This guide covers the traditions, how to celebrate far from home, and how to prepare your food and travel.

What is Dashain?

Dashain is a multi-day Hindu festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, centred on the goddess Durga. For most Nepali families, it is a time to reunite, receive blessings from elders, and share meals. Because exact dates follow the lunar calendar and shift each year, check a Nepali calendar or a local community group for the dates.

Key Dashain traditions

Jamara. On the first day, barley seeds are sown in sand or soil in a dark corner of the home. The yellow shoots that grow over the festival are later placed on the head as a blessing.

Tika. On the tenth day, Bijaya Dashami, elders apply tika, a mix of rice, yoghurt and red colour, on the foreheads of younger family members, along with jamara and blessings. Younger relatives often receive a small gift or money in return.

Family visits. People travel to see parents, grandparents and relatives, sometimes over several days. Younger members seek the blessings of elders.

Festive meals. Special foods are shared at gatherings. Families often prepare goat meat curry, rice, lentils, vegetables, sel roti and sweets, though customs vary by region and household.

Celebrating Dashain far from home

Many Nepalis in New Zealand do not have extended family nearby, so celebrations often become a community effort. Friends become family for the day.

Some ideas:

• Set up jamara at home even in a small apartment. A shallow tray works fine.
• Hold a shared potluck with friends and neighbours.
• Ask an older family friend to give tika if you cannot be with your own elders.
• Video-call relatives in Nepal on the day for blessings.
• Check Auckland Council events and local community groups for public gatherings, and confirm details before you go.

Festival food and groceries

Planning your menu ahead makes the festival smoother. Make a list of rice, lentils, spices, flours, ghee, cooking oil and sweets, then add fresh produce and meat nearer the day.

Koseli, our retail store, stocks groceries and everyday items for many home kitchens. Koseli Wholesale imports Nepalese groceries from Nepal and operates from a warehouse. Stock varies, so contact the store about particular items. If you prefer to eat out, Snax in Auckland CBD serves authentic Nepali dishes.

Travelling home for festivals

If you hope to spend Dashain with family in Nepal, plan early because festival season is a popular travel period. Check passport validity, work or study leave arrangements and any visa requirements for your travel and re-entry to New Zealand with the relevant authorities. Our travel agency QuickTrips can help with planning your trip. Book as far ahead as you can, and speak with your employer about leave well in advance.

Nepali New Year 2026 and other festivals

Dashain is only one of many Nepali festivals across the year. Tihar, the festival of lights, follows a few weeks later. Holi, Teej and Maghe Sankranti are other dates many families look forward to. The Nepali calendar (Bikram Sambat) marks its new year in mid-April, so Nepali New Year 2026 has already passed, and the next one will arrive in April 2027. Check a Bikram Sambat calendar for exact dates, as they shift.

Marking each festival keeps traditions alive for children growing up in New Zealand. Even small rituals, a story told at the table or a dish cooked from a grandmother's recipe, matter.

Bringing traditions to the next generation

If you have children born or raised here, involve them in the preparations: planting jamara, helping with sel roti, learning how tika is given. Explain why each ritual matters. This builds a sense of belonging to both cultures.

Working with a community that understands

The Insignia Group is an Auckland-based group behind Koseli, Koseli Wholesale, QuickTrips and Snax, and we are growing. We hire across kitchens, retail, warehouse and office roles, and you can see current roles on our careers page. Learn more about us.

FAQ

When is Dashain 2026?

Dashain falls in late September to October and follows the lunar calendar. Check a Nepali calendar or a community group for exact dates.

What is the significance of tika and jamara?

Tika and jamara are blessings from elders given on Bijaya Dashami. They represent good fortune, protection and family bonds.

How can I celebrate Dashain without family in NZ?

Gather friends, set up jamara at home, cook a shared meal and video-call relatives. Check Auckland Council events and community groups for local gatherings.

Where can I buy Nepali groceries in Auckland?

Koseli, our retail store, and Koseli Wholesale, our importer of Nepalese groceries, are good starting points. Stock changes, so contact them about specific items.

Plan ahead

Visit Koseli to prepare for the next festival, or talk to QuickTrips about getting home.