Dashain is the biggest and most important festival in Nepal, celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists throughout the country. Also known as Bijaya Dashami, this festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. It is a time when families and friends come together to exchange blessings, share food, and enjoy various cultural activities. During the festival, people visit temples and shrines, offer sacrifices to the goddess Durga, and receive tika, a mixture of vermillion, rice, and curd, on their foreheads from elders as a blessing. The festival lasts for fifteen days, culminating on the day of Vijaya Dashami, when people play games, feast, and exchange gifts.