Phulpati, the seventh day of Dashain being observed today

KATHMANDU: The Phulpati festival, which is part of the Durga Paksha, is celebrated in every house today by bringing in Phulpati, the auspicious site’s symbol, in the traditional manner.

On this day, banana stalks, jamara, belpatra (wood apple leaves), and sugarcane sticks tied with red cloth, along with a Kalash filled with holy water, are traditionally brought to Hanumandhoka from Gorkha on a decorated palanquin.

High-ranking public service personnel, Gurju’s battalion, band music, panche Baja, and cultural dance tunes are carried from Jamal to Hanuman Dhoka Durbar.

Every year on this day, the Nepali Army organizes a firing parade at Tundikhel, which is attended by the president and other government leaders. All government offices from Phulpati to Dwadashi will be closed for five days.

Maha Ashtami and Mahanawami will be observed tomorrow and the next day.

Similarly, Vijaya Dashami, the major day of Dashain, will be celebrated on Oct 24.

According to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti (Nepal Calendar Determination Committee), taking Phulpati inside houses does not require an auspicious hour.

Though the Dashain festival begins with Ghatasthapana, the holiday takes on additional significance on the day of Phulpati.

All government and private offices will close today, urging people to return to their ancestral homes and seek blessings from Durga Bhawani and their elders.

As government offices are also closed from today, people involved in various professions and businesses are returning home with their families to receive vaccinations as Durga Bhawani’s offerings.